As an avid designer, my design encompass stories in each design to send audiences to places unknown. My ideas stem from a realm of imagination and storytelling. I’m a multidisciplinary designer but my main emphasis are in lighting and projection designs. With a vast knowledge of various tools and techniques, my goals are tailored to show meaning to open ideas in our society today.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/map-pin-alternate_orange.svg" alt="/icons/map-pin-alternate_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Austin, TX
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My name is Samuel Cantu or you can call me Sam. I'm a recent Alumni from The University of Texas at Austin where I obtained my Bachelors degree in Arts and Entertainment Technology with a minor in Media and Entertainment Industries. As a aspiring artist, it has always been my dream to work as a Disney Imagineer. The people responsible for creating the design, projections, and fireworks has always been a dream ever since I first saw them when I was 5 years old. I have always had a knack for projectors when they were just used in a classroom setting or in a more creative one. How we can create beautiful and amazing works all from just a light shown on a surface. It's a testament to see what we can do and what the future holds for projection mapping, and hopefully the day will come when I map the castle at Walt Disney.
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The University of Texas at Austin (Graduated May 2025)
Bachelor of Science in Arts and Entertainment Technology - Minor in Media and Entertainment Industries
GPA: 3.63
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South Texas College (Graduated May 2021)
Certificate Computer Application Specialist
GPA: 4.0
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Student Technician Assistant (STA) III/STA Admin - Liberal Arts Informational Technology Services (LAITS)
August 2021 - May 2025
Responsibilities - Supervised Student Technician Assistants (STA’) by providing phone support with clients in need of help with classroom technology systems. Wrote scheduling and Inventory reports while reporting to upper management on day-to-day operations.
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Installation Tech (IT) Intern - Ford AV
May 2024 - August 2024
Responsibilities - Provided seamless installation of varies technology equipment on various projects/jobsites including but not limited to speakers, projectors, TV/Display mounts, screens, wire and data cable pulls, and various other technological services. The IT is also responsible for termination of wires and is held to a high standard of precision and accuracy
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Light Designer/Technician - Dancentre of Edinburg (Contracted Work)
May 2018 - Present
Responsibilities - Crafting various lighting arrangements for each individual performance of different dances and productions. Became well-acquainted with the venues set-up in regards to lighting consoles, sound mixers, rigging operations and various other production requirements.
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Performing Arts Center Crew - Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District
November 2019 - March 2020
Responsibilities - Ran events at the Dale McAllen Performing Arts Center. Serving as a Light Designer for specific performances that required lighting designs. Along with this, assisted in the coordination of box office ticket sales and ushering duties. Furthermore, a member of backstage crew that oversaw the set-up and tear down operations of necessary equipment before and after events.
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<aside> 🏅 OSHA 10 Certified Ford AV May 2024
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<aside> 🏅 HILTI Powder Tool Certified Ford AV May 2024
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Lois Johnson White Presidential Scholarship - 2024
Joseph C Tenbarge Outstanding Student Technician Award Finalist - 2023, 2025
University Honors - Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024
UT for Me Dell Scholar - 2021
Texas Excellence Scholarship - 2021
Rotary Club of Edinburg Fine Arts Student Recognition - 2021