Makenna King



Projects by Makenna King

IU STUDENT MAKES WAVES IN BLOOMINGTON PERFORMANCES

By Gracie Helfrich, Makenna King and Sayje Jaffe 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025).

Indiana University constantly sees thousands of students make their way through undergrad tracks. Students enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). Indiana University sees this pattern time and time again. It is more than common. 

Contrary to this pattern, something less than common can be found within Freshman Matt Trzaskus; that something is passion. “My passion for performance started when I was really young. I really liked Star Wars and I wanted to be a Jedi. And I figured out very quickly that Jedi aren’t real, but actors are.” Trzaskus said.

This passion for performance is also seen in Freshman Jaxon Brown. Brown is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of fine arts, focusing in cinematic arts at Indiana University. Yet, Brown’s passion for performance has faced obstacles. 

“I definitely prefer performing, but I don’t really give many chances to. So, I’m like behind the scenes.” Brown said. He hopes to have more opportunities in the future.

This interest in performance is something Brown also discovered at a young age, similar to Trzaskus. “I think 13 [years old] was the first time that I watched a film where I was like, I want to do that.” Brown said. The film discussed here was Back to the Future

Yet, Trzaskus discovered his love for theater at an even younger age. He recalls third grade to be the year where his interest began, encouraging him to join school-lead theatre groups. He states, “I started really doing it [theater] in middle school and I’m still doing it [theater], which is kind of surprising to me, but it’s just as exciting.” 

Matt Trzaskus explaining his relationship with theater, and how it affects him daily. He participates in multiple programs, and has regular dress rehearsals.

Trzaskus is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of arts focusing in theater drama and english at Indiana University. He is a member of Boy in the Bubble Comedy Group, who most recently produced the show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind; additionally, Trzaskus is currently performing in a production of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegrut. 

As he pursues a double major while simultaneously devoting himself to multiple productions at once, time management has become an ongoing struggle. “It is a constant uphill battle with time,” said Trzaskus. 

“I’ll really admit I undertake a lot of things because like my mom told me that if you always say yes, you won’t ever miss an opportunity,” explained Trzaskus, “However, I’ve learned very quickly that eventually you do have to start saying no.” 

This endeavor with time management is a hardship that not only Trzaskus has faced in his pursuit of theater education, but it is also something Brown experiences, where, “I think there are little moments when I release something [film] and I’m like, ‘oh, this is great.’ But then it’s like, for me, it’s immediately on to the next. So, I don’t really sit in it that often. So I guess it’s like the little moments of doing so,” said Brown. 

This struggle is something that Trzaskus has met with motivation found in theater itself. “It’s [theater] a huge time commitment. You’re like at the end of your you’re like, I’m done. Like I maybe never want to do a show again. And then everyone walks out to you and tells you what the show meant to them or what this work you’ve created; I write as well, what it meant to them and if it made them feel something, whether that was ‘Oh my gosh, that was so funny’ or ‘Oh my gosh, you made me cry’ or ‘That was shocking’”, said Trzaskus, “Like the rawness of human reaction is something that only arts can, like, pull out in the way that they do. And each time you get that experience, whether it’s someone laughing at your joke or crying at your line delivery, it’s like for me, it’s like addicting.” 

Jaxon Brown uncovering his past with performing arts. He is a film major that enjoys learning about all aspects of theatrical acting and film.

Brown finds his motivation through career aspirations. “I want to make it [performance] a career.” Brown said.

In conjunction with finding motivation through career aspirations, Brown also finds motivation within those who inspire him. Brown is inspired by musician, artist and comedian, Donald Glover. 

“He [Donald Glover] does whatever he wants, really. And I want to be able to do that creatively and still make money, you know.” Brown said.

Both Trzaskus and Brown are students who stand out within the pattern of students who enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). They stand out because of their passion for performance, and their constant diligence.

Matt Trzaskus guides viewers through his  theater journey to showcase the dedication it takes for success. He acts in the play, “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind”, and hopes to share his talent with the world. 

Apple Unveils New Apple Watch in Sunday Launch Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Makenna King
Jack Reilly
Luca Ferraioli

APPLE REVEALS APPLE WATCH SET TO HIT SHELVES IN 2015

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) – Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the new Apple Watch, in a Sunday press conference.

After unveiling their plans for the newest iPhone, the 6 and 6 plus, Cook introduced another project the company had been working on, something he claims is different from their past releases.

“We have one more thing…” Cook said before the watch’s introduction, “…it is the next chapter in Apple’s story.”

In making the watch, Cook mentioned customization and convenience were kept in mind. The company wanted to make an everyday product that could be worn and used in any situation.

As a result, the Apple Watch is made from stainless steel, with an option to be available in black. Each finish has two sizes, a smaller 38mm and a larger 42mm. Six unique straps are available to purchase with the watch, and are made for both sizes.

Man wearing Apple Watch
Man wearing his Apple Watch. He enjoyed the customizable size of the product.

In regards to what services the watch includes, a demonstration was made by Kevin Lynch, the product’s project leader, to explain the possible features.

Customization settings allows wearers to choose the device’s home screen layout, clock function and the watch’s face design. Rolling the crown, the round button on the right, lets users change these details. Zoom-in features are made easier with the crown, although touchscreen is available. Users tap the face to open apps, and swipe to change screens like the iPhone. The glance feature, swiping up, shows users their personal bookmarked services.

The Apple Watch needs an iPhone to properly work, and all iPhone 5 and 6 versions are compatible. Any information shown on the Apple Watch, transfers to the iPhone through bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection. New applications available for the iPhone, such as Apple Pay touch-less payment, will be available on the Apple Watch.

Apple’s other original apps are accessible on the watch with new features. In the demonstration, Lynch showed viewers pre-written responses one can use in the iMessage app. In addition, Apple Maps is equipped with different vibrations to signal when the user should change direction. These were a few changes Apple made for consumer convenience, however more fitness services were shown.

The Apple Watch has various health features to encourage users to stay active. The fitness app tracks activity and movement, while the workout app helps users set goals.

The watch will also track a user’s vitals, such as their heart rate through built in sensors. The accelerometer and gyroscope record one’s vibrations and movement orientation. Overtime, the information will become stored, and give wearers more detailed health reports, and advice on improving their physical performance.

College student checking Apple Watch
College student checking her Apple Watch. She set a fitness goal in the workout app.

The durability of the watch, Cook elaborates, is also water resistant. One can wear it in the rain or to wash their hands. It is sweat friendly, and can be worn in most activities. The Apple Watch is beneficial for all living styles by withstanding the trudges of everyday life.

However, the Apple Watch has more features that must be experienced first hand.

“It’s amazing what you can do from your wrist”, Cook said, “It is so much more than we can cover this morning…the list of features is a mile long.”

If interested, the starting price is three-hundred and forty-nine dollars, and will be available early 2015. Once purchased, the box contains a USB power adapter, a sports band in one’s chosen size and an instruction manual describing its services. In addition, the charger provided is magnetic, and will attach to the back of the watch’s face.

“It empowers people and enriches their lives. Apple Watch is the most personal device Apple has ever created,” Cook said in a final statement.

https://sites.mediaschool.indiana.edu/mschc250-slayton-spring25/wp-content/uploads/sites/159/2025/02/Apple-Watch-Introduction-1-1.mp4

Tim Cook introducing the Apple Watch. Cook said this is a new product never before seen by Apple. 

https://sites.mediaschool.indiana.edu/mschc250-slayton-spring25/wp-content/uploads/sites/159/2025/02/Apple-Watch-Introduction-clip-1.mp4

First look at the new Apple Watch during the launch event. The animation showed the structure and layout of the watch. 

###