Jada Wolf



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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 CEO Announces New Revolutionary Product

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

Media Contacts
Cayman Werner
Jada Wolf
Addison Miller

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) — Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the launch of its new product, the Apple Watch, which includes ground-breaking technology that combines personalization and efficiency for users.

Cook teased those who attended the press event on Tuesday by explaining there is “one more thing” after giving a presentation on the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The immediate arouse of the crowd ignited a smile on Cook’s face, and that enthusiasm and excitement within the audience and Cook stayed through the presentation of the Apple Watch.

As the “most personal device we’ve ever created”, Cook said, the Apple Watch is sure to be the next major step in the evolution of Apple. The watch’s main features include telling accurate time, connecting people, and tracking fitness with its pitch of being a wearable iPhone. The Apple Watch will be able to pair with the iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, and the upcoming iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Female student uses Apple Watch.
IU student, Lucy Pappas, uses her Apple Watch to track her time while studying. She uses a timer to pace herself and allow for small breaks.

Kevin Lynch, a software developer for Apple, also showed the audience the real-time use of the watch by connecting its contents to the large screen. With just a raise of the wrist, the watch turns on with a display of all the apps: clock, mail, phone, messages, fitness, maps, and more. The user interface of the Apple Watch is flawless and efficient with a digital crown, similar to a crown on a regular watch, that allows for scrolling through lists and zooming in and out without having to touch the watch. When notifications are sent to a user’s phone, the notification also pops up on the watch. Users are then able to take different steps depending on what kind of notification it is. For messages, simply use the smart reply or dictation tools for a quick response. With the ability to customize watch faces, control music, use glances to swipe through critical information, and even the implementation of Siri, the Apple Watch is sure to be a revolutionary product.

Fitness is also an important factor with this watch that can be used for any person whether just wanting to track their movement throughout the day or wanting to train for the Olympics. The Activity app encourages 3 types of movement with rings that signify whether the user has hit the goal: stand, move, and exercise. The Fitness app tracks specific kinds of exercises, like running and biking, while encouraging users to meet their goals during the workout. “Apple Watch is going to greatly improve the way we keep track of our activity and change the way we look at fitness,” Jay Blahnik, the Director of Fitness at Apple said.

While Jony Ive, senior VP of design at Apple, also touched on the watch’s features in a narrated video, he gave details about the physical makeup of the watch and the different types of editions and bands users can choose from. The watch is made of single crystal sapphire, the second hardest material in the world, and it has a Zirconia back with 4 sapphire lenses with LEDs and photo sensors to accurately detect pulse rate. Charging the watch couldn’t be easier with Apple’s MagSafe® technology and effective charging to create a magnetic placement that perfectly fits the watch. “It is so simple and elegant, it is something only Apple could do,” Cook said.

“We have designed 6 different straps and a mechanism that makes the straps easily interchangeable with a refinement and precision that’s born of functionality,” Ive said. These straps include a Sport Band made of tough, sweat-resistant elastomer offered in bold colors; the Leather Loop made of soft, quilted leather that includes magnets for adjustment and optimal comfort; the Milanese Loop made of stainless steel mesh with a magnet closure; the hand-crafted leather Modern Buckle that includes a metal clasp and wraps symmetrically around the wrist; the leather Classic Buckle to resemble regular watches; and the stainless steel Link Bracelet with a slim clasp. To include wrists of all sizes, the Apple Watch offers a smaller watch with smaller straps. “We knew one size wouldn’t fit everyone,” Ive said.

Maintenance worker stays in touch using Apple Watch.
Tracy, an IU Evans House’s maintenance worker, uses his Apple Watch to check the levels of a newly renovated AC unit. He enjoys the efficiency of the technology and assures it makes his job easier.

Three collections will be available at the beginning of 2015: the Apple Watch, made of stainless steel, the Apple Watch Sport, with a glass cover and aluminum case, and Apple Watch Edition, made of 18-karat gold. The retail price will start at $349 (USD). “We think people are going to love to use Apple Watch; they are going to love to wear it,” Cook said. “It’s something functional, yet incredibly beautiful. It empowers people and enriches their lives.”

Tim Cook announces the new Apple Watch and its features. This product is anticipated to be the technology of the year.

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