Chloe Schiller



Projects by Chloe Schiller

Journalism Story, Uncategorized

IUMT Students Behind Scenes Uphold a Reputable Community

By Jada Wolf, Lilly Marion and Chloe Schiller

There is so much more to Indiana University’s Musical Theatre School (IUMTS) than what meets the eye. On the surface, it may seem like a typical school where students major in the performing arts, but what’s truly remarkable is the level of commitment required and the deep sense of community that supports every aspect of the program. The students involved in musical theatre here at IU are not just performers—they take on multiple roles in their daily lives, managing intense rehearsals, classes, and personal obligations all while maintaining the relationships they’ve formed with their peers. It is this sense of community that truly makes the experience at IUMTS special. These students are expected to be so much more than just students—they are artists, collaborators, and individuals working to push the boundaries of their craft.

IU musical theatre students rehearsing for the legally blonde play on April 18th in Ruth N. Halls Theatre

Life as a musical theatre major at IU is demanding and intense. From the late-night rehearsals to the hours of practice, it can be incredibly taxing. Yet, despite the hard work, it is the sense of camaraderie and the support system within the IUMTS program that ensures students are able to thrive. The life of a musical theatre major is very serious, but it is this community behind the scenes that makes it all possible. As Aydia, a 19-year-old sophomore currently cast as Brooke Wyndham in the popular musical Legally Blonde, reflects on balancing her social life, academic commitments, and musical theatre, she emphasizes the importance of having a supportive environment to return to after long and demanding days.
Aydia explains, “It’s definitely hard, but I live with a bunch of non-musical theatre majors, so that makes it easy to come home to a space where I don’t have to talk about theatre. And we get to talk about all the other drama in our lives. So it’s definitely nice, and I think our program does a great job of letting us be a part of other things in our lives.”

This balance allows Aydia and others like her to experience the full scope of university life, outside of just the musical theatre bubble, creating a sense of relief and normalcy in a high-pressure environment.

Not only did the IU community help Aydia in this way, but it has also played a pivotal role in shaping her into the person she hoped to become. When Aydia first arrived at IU, she was still figuring out who she wanted to be, like many students in their early years of college. The experiences and relationships she’s built with those around her have helped her grow in ways she could have never anticipated. Aydia shares, “I came here immature and ready to party, but having a community that’s not all about that and is always there for you when you’re in your lows and also in your highs, and is ready to back you up at any moment, has been really awesome, and I’ve just learned so much from it.” This sense of unwavering support in both personal and professional matters is something that defines the IUMTS community. It’s a place where students are encouraged to grow, not only as artists but as individuals.

Molly Higgins, a junior actor, explains her journey through the musical theatre school, and what it means to her.

Molly, a junior in IUMTS who plays Margot in Legally Blonde, echoes similar sentiments about the importance of the community in shaping the students involved in the program. “I think specifically within the musical theatre program, a lot of us have a close relationship, so it creates such a positive environment, especially because we spend so much time together rehearsing. It is kind of competitive because we are all auditioning for the same roles in the summer, but the program is super supportive, and we have such close-knit friendships. It really feels like a family. It’s shaped me to consider other people’s feelings and what they’re going through because we’re all tired and have classwork, so we have to be careful of what we’re saying.”

This balance is something unique to the IUMTS program. While musical theatre is inherently competitive, with students auditioning for coveted roles and working hard to perfect their craft, there’s still a deep sense of support among the students. They understand that they are all working toward the same goal, and that goal isn’t just personal success—it’s the success of the entire group.
As you can see, there is so much that goes into every step of these productions—from rehearsals to choreography to prop-making to simply learning to work together. Each member of the IUMTS community plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the final product. Both Aydia and Molly express how much they love the job they do and how their passion for theatre has been a part of their lives for as long as they can remember. Aydia says, “I’ve been acting forever—honestly, since I was six or seven. I was on a national tour when I was younger, which is how I got my start in musical theatre.” Molly shares, “I’ve been acting since second grade and fell in love with it from then.”

It’s clear that their love for theatre is not just a passing interest—it’s a lifelong commitment. Their dedication to their craft and to the community at IU speaks to the passion and perseverance that are necessary to succeed in the highly competitive world of musical theatre. IUMTS program provides not only a place to hone their craft but a supportive, experienced, and welcoming community that will be there for them every step of the way.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

https://youtu.be/pw2A0u06HvI?si=lH8aSzvTGsibiQqv

 

Public Relations Story

Apple Watch Debuts: A Game-Changer for Tech and Fitness!

For Immediate Release

Apple’s New Product Debuts: The Apple Watch, A Game-Changer for Tech and Fitness

Media Contacts:

Cali Kroncke

Izzy Hamilton

Chloe Schiller

 

The Apple Watch launch was announced by Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, on Monday, September 9th at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. Cook said that he “believes this product will redefine what people expect from its category and is the next chapter in Apple’s story.” An incredibly detailed and aesthetically pleasing video was displayed to the audience, showcasing the new Apple product and its multitude of uses. As Cook returned to the stage to go more in-depth about the watch, he was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. Cook said the Apple Watch is “the most personal device we’ve ever created” and talked about how customers are able to apply their own style and personalization to the product.

This cook is showing off is his apple watch, designed for communication with the sorority house. He is wearing it to showcase how he has personalized it for himself.

The product is much more than just a watch, as it also taps into health and fitness, communication, and a multitude of other extensions. Cook explained how similar to the mouse on the Mac and the click wheel on the iPod, Apple “placed extra functionality in a mechanism that has been on the watch for decades.” Apple turned the traditional dial into a “Digital Crown,” which allows users to zoom in and out, scroll through a list, and also acts as a home button for the Apple Watch. Many other important functions include pressing the button located underneath the digital crown allowing users to contact friends in seconds, as well as glances allowing the user to swipe through information quickly, including weather, time, health, and calendar. The watch works seamlessly with the iPhone and allows customers to access a large variety of apps directly from their wrist.

This teen girl checks her apple watch as she prepares for the Little 500 bike race. With focus and determination, she uses the watch’s features to keep track of her progress.

The Apple Watch is easily accessible as it senses when users are raising their wrist and instantly illuminates, displaying a home screen with apps that are already familiar to Apple users. Users have the ability to respond to messages on their watch using smart replies, as well as answer phone calls. Although the Apple Watch prides itself on being technologically advanced, it also is focused on its exterior. Cook said that Apple was incredibly careful and deliberate when creating the Apple Watch and showed a second video discussing the background that went into the design of the watch. The flexible retina display is laminated to a polished single crystal of sapphire which is the second hardest transparent material after diamond.

Not only does the product encourage users to embrace their individuality, but it also provides haptic feedback and sound to further enhance the customer experience. Jony Ive, Apple’s senior VP of Design said, “We have worked closely with horological experts from around the world to help us understand the cultural and historical significance of timekeeping, and this has profoundly informed our design.” Cook went into detail about the multitude of different bands, colors, and styles available to accommodate the various lifestyles that their customers lead. These different straps and bands are also easily interchangeable so that customers can quickly maximize comfortability and versatility throughout their day. Anything from stainless steel, to sweat and chemical-resistant bands, Apple wants to provide customers with optimum comfort and style no matter what their goals are.

Cook also mentioned how Apple created three different types of Apple watches including, the Apple Watch, Apple Sport, and Apple Edition. Cook said, “We designed Apple Watch as a whole range of products enabling millions of unique designs unparalleled personalization both in appearance and capability.” Starting at $349, Cook urged consumers that “the Apple Watch empowers people and enriches their lives.” Apple is incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that was put into bringing this product to fruition and they can’t wait to share it with the world. 

The Apple Watch being released, showing what it looks like and what it can do. People can use it in a variety of different ways.

 

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