Mapping The College Audition: An MTCA Podcast
This podcast is an exploration of the daunting College Theater (+ Musical Theater) Audition process led by an expert in the field, as well as an exploration of the paths to success from college to beyond. We talk with Colleges about their training programs and Artists about their unique careers fostered by their training. Join Charlie Murphy, actor & Director of Musical Theatre College Auditions (MTCA) as he chats with Broadway performers, college faculty members and industry pros about navigating the college audition process, earning a performing arts degree, and the role education plays in pursuing a career in the arts. Charlie w...
Summer Break Audio Blog: Hitting Your Home Runs
In this Summer Break episode, Charlie shares an audio version of his blog post, Hitting Your Home Runs. You can also find the written piece on our website at mtca.com.
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)Â
Summer Break for the Podcast! Charlie Talks Through Episode "Toppers" and Summer Audio Blogs
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)Â
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditionsÂ
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7Â
About MTCA:Â
Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition...
Oberlin College with Victoria Bussert
In this College Deep Dive, Victoria Bussert, Head of Musical Theater Oberlin College chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:Â
Redefining Training for the Modern Stage: A ground-up program led by a top-tier director, with handpicked faculty at the forefront of the art form. Not just a new program — a transformative relationship.
Artist Meets Athlete: Ballet Bootcamp + Football Team Workouts = Olympic mindset for the stage
Mindset Over Hype:“Nice” isn’t the goal — growth is. We lead with kindness, demand rigor, and believe true training blends heart and discipline.
Josh Grisetti TikTok ment...
Curtis Holland (Broadway’s The Great Gatsby) on Being True to YOU
In this Artist Exploration Curtis Holland (Broadway’s The Great Gatsby) and Director of MTCA, Charlie Murphy discuss;
🔴Curtis’s early start in the business
đź”´How his outlook on the industry was an asset
đź”´Performing in a new musical
đź”´The importance of doing the work so you can “twirl”Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out atÂ
mtca...
University of Michigan (Act III) with Jessica Boevers Bogart and Sydney Morton
In this College Deep Dive, MTCA Charlie Murphy chats with Jessica Boevers Bogart and Sydney Morton from University of Michigan. They chat about:Â
Showcase as human-first, not performance-perfect
The myth of “best” auditions – it’s all about breathing and presence
Ego vs. confidence: What happens when you come from a big-name program
Working faculty – the pros, cons, and what consistency really means
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with...
Colleen Kessler (MTCA Alumni Parent and Host of Raising Lifelong Learners) on Empowering Your Student Through The College Audition Process
In this Artist Exploration, Class of 2025 MTCA Alumni Parent Colleen Kessler and Director of MTCA Charlie Murphy discuss;Â
đź”´A fresh perspective on the Musical Theater College Auditions ExperienceÂ
đź”´How to enjoy this time with your studentÂ
đź”´Raising Gifted childrenÂ
đź”´How homeschooling impacts the college audition processÂ
You can learn more about Colleen and Raising Lifelong Learners HERE!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in wo...
Michigan State University with Bradley Willcuts
In this College Deep Dive, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy sits down with Bradley Willcuts, Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Choreography at Michigan State University, for a conversation about:Â
Historic campus of Michigan StateÂ
How an actor first program is looking for you to adjust within the auditionÂ
The Power of entrepreneurial spirit in theatre
Leaning on your community to collaborate and empowerÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA f...
Joe Rosko (Built for the Stage) on Fitness and Entrepreneurship
In this Artist Exploration, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chats with Built for the Stage Founder, Joe Rosko on:Â
Is it possible to be a D1 Athlete and get a BFA in musical theater?
Point of obsession and striving for excellenceÂ
How to build a business on passionsÂ
When is it time to pursue other passions?Â
How to delegate tasksÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help wi...
Oakland University with Jacob Ben Widmar and Danny Gurwin
In this College Deep Dive MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy, Assistant Professor of Theater, Jacob Ben Widmar and Head of Musical Theater, Danny Gurwin Discuss;
đź”´Oakland’s new directionÂ
🔴A student’s relationship with teachers and a program as a whole
đź”´Seeing a student’s true self in an audition roomÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or...
Isaac Powell (Broadway's Tony in West Side Story and Daniel in Once On This Island) on Preparation and Growth
In this Artist Exploration, Isaac Powell and MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy discuss:Â
🔴 UNCSA’s Program
đź”´ Preparation for graduation
đź”´ Education after college
đź”´ Harnessing your adrenaline
Sign up for the Meet MTCA Workshop at mtca.com!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Western Michigan University with Joan Herrington and Jay Berkow
In this College Deep Dive, MTCA Director sits down with Jay Berkow, Director of Music Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University, and Joan Herrington, Director of the School of Theatre and Dance at WMU. Together, they explore and discuss:
đź”´Summer stocks audition opportunities at school who come directly to your class!Â
đź”´Collaborative rehearsal processÂ
đź”´Student centered campusÂ
đź”´Expanding options and not limiting yourselfÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with...
Spring Break Solo Pod
This week Charlie is SOLO on the Spring Break Pod. Tune in for several takeaways and tidbits! Topics include:Â
đź”´ Know Who You're Listening To
đź”´ Pick the Right Time to Visit Schools
đź”´ Watch Out for the Hype
đź”´ Let Your Student Take the Wheel
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com...
Amy Breslow (MTCA College Advisor and MTCA Parent) on Parenting Through the College Audition Journey
In this special episode, MTCA College Advisor and two-time MTCA parent Amy Breslow joins MTCA Director Charlie Murphy and discusses:Â
🔴Amy’s personal experiences with the college audition process
đź”´How parents can show up throughout this journey
đź”´Weighing school decisionsÂ
đź”´Staying open minded early on in the process
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition j...
University of Colorado Boulder with Matthew Wren Chellis
In this College Deep Dive, Matthew Wren Chellis the Associate Professor of Voice and Director of the Musical Theater Program at CU Boulder chats with MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy about
đź”´Faculty Influence on Program Quality
đź”´Demonstrating Interest in Schools
đź”´Genuine Curiosity over Showiness
For info email: matthew.chellis@colorado.edu and visit CU Boulder WebsiteÂ
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If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help...
L Morgan Lee (Tony Award Nominated for A Strange Loop) on the Transgender and Gender Expansive Lens
In this Artist Exploration, L Morgan Lee from A Strange Loop and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Insta...
University of Florida with Andrew Cao
In this College Deep Dive, Senior Lecturer of Musical Theater and Dance of University of Florida, Andrew Cao chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your Co...
Dan Amboyer (Darren Star’s Younger) on Building a Sustainable Life as an Actor
In this Artist Exploration, Dan Amboyer from Darren Star’s Younger and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on In...
Oklahoma City University with David Herendeen
In this College Deep Dive, David Herendeen the Director of Opera and Musical Theater at Oklahoma City University and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:Â
How is a BM in Music Theater different from BFA training? Is it valuable to have non-theater majors in your classes? Can I get a minor at OCU? What are the theaters and classroom facilities like? When can I make stylistic choices like riffing in a song? ÂIf you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in workin...
*Special 200th Episode*: Unifieds Greenroom Interviews
In this Special Episode, Charlie does some "man on the street" style interviews in the MTCA Greenrooms in NYC, Chicago and LA!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)Â
TikTok: @mtcol...
Aaron Todd Douglas on University of Minnesota
In this College Deep Dive, Aaron Todd Douglas the Director of the University of Minnesota BFA Acting Program chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy on:
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your...
Mary Mitchell Campbell (The Prom) on Music Directing and Holistic Success
In the Artist Exploration, Mary Mitchell Campbell (The Prom) chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Ins...
Mary Mitchell Campbell (The Prom) on Music Directing and Holistic Success
In the Artist Exploration, Mary Mitchell Campbell (The Prom) chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Ins...
Florida State University Act II with Lauren Haughton Gillis
In this College Deep Dive, Lauren Haughton, BFA Director at FSU and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss:Â
🔴FSU’s strong dance focus
đź”´The importance of research and preparation Â
đź”´The intersection of community and professionalismÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follo...
Erika Strasburg (MTCA Wellness Coach) on how to find your Zhuzh and Sparkle
In this Artist Exploration, Erika Strasburg (MTCA Wellness Coach) chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy onÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcollegeauditions.com, or...
Viterbo University with Rick Walters
In this College Deep Dive Rick Walters, the Executive Artistic Director for Viterbo University and Charlie Murphy, MTCA Director discuss:
🔴 Viterbo’s dedication to preparing their students for the business
đź”´ The experience of going to a smaller schoolÂ
đź”´ The future of ViterboÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com or on...
Cara Rose DiPietro (TikTok and CBS’ Elsbeth)
In this Artist Episode, Cara Rose DiPietro from TikTok and CBS’ Elsbeth chats with MTCA Direction Charlie Murphy about:
Watch Cara’s TedTalk HERE.
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please che...
NYU Tisch (Act II) with Robert Hoyt
In this College Deep Dive Robert Hoyt the Director of Admissions & Recruitment for NYU Tisch Drama and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chat about:
Visit @thefund4collegeaudition to learn about the Fund and relief efforts.Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with yo...
Justin Lee Miller (Interlochen Arts Academy) on Performing Arts High Schools
In this artist exploration In this artist exploration, Justin Lee Miller from Interlochen Art Academy and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
đź”´ Interlochen’s expert facultyÂ
đź”´The different artistic paths in the academyÂ
đź”´Interlochen’s gap year programÂ
đź”´The pros and cons of a performing arts high schoolÂ
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, plea...
Western Connecticut State University with Tim Howard
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcollegeauditions.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)Â
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditionsÂ
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7Â
About MTCA:Â
Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching...
Holiday Mailbag Episode
Check out our MTCA Events HERE!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcollegeauditions.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.Â
Follow Us!Â
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)Â
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditionsÂ
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7Â
About MTCA:Â
Musical Theater...
Midwestern State University with Dr. Grace Edgar
In this College Deep Dive, Dr. Grace Edgar from Midwestern State University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcol...
Mitch Zoll (MTCA Parent) on the Methodology of Overseeing
In this Artist Exploration, we welcome Mitch Zoll, father of Anderson Zoll, who is an MTCA Alum from the class of 2023, and currently a Sophomore MT at the University of Michigan. MTCA Director Charlie Murphy and Mitch discuss:Â
Finding your role as a theater parent, the mindset of being available and not in control How to make strategic adjustments throughout the audition season Successful ways to utilize MTCA What should I be asking my child after their audition?Check out our MEET MTCA Workshop HERE!
If you have any ques...
Temple University with Peter Reynolds
In this college deep dive Peter Reynolds, the Head of Musical Theater at Temple University and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
The diversity at Temple University Performance opportunities outside of school The importance of Wild Card videos Taking in the UArts StudentsÂCheck out our MEET MTCA Workshop HERE!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out...
Thanksgiving Tips and Takeaways
In this Special Thanksgiving Episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy takes on a SOLO adventure (spurred by your listener requests!) to bring you some summations of previous episode takeaways. Some themes/takeaways include:
How the College Process is like Dating Viewing College Curricula like a Budget School Reputations as Stocks Why you shouldn't limit yourself with TYPE in the College Process Finding your Game Tape Mentality Connecting to your Joy in this Process ...plus a few Bonus NEW takeaways!For families who are new to MTCA, don't forget to check out our MEET MTCA Workshop...
Sarah Meahl (Broadway Dancer, Death Becomes Her) Raw Talent vs. Polish
In this Artist Exploration, Sarah Meahl a Broadway Dancer in Death Becomes Her chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
How technique can set you free Establishing yourself as an ensemble member Advice for when you step into your next dance call Dancing for the SoulCheck out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journe...
UCLA with Jeremy Mann
In this College Deep Dive Jeremy Mann the Director of Singing for the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program at UCLA and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:Â
Check out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interest...
Roderick Hill (50+ National Commercials) on the Middle Class Actor
In the Artist Exploration, Roderick Hill from (50+ National Commercials) chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:Â
Check out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation fo...
NYU Steinhardt with Errik Hood
In this College Deep DIve, Errik Hood the Assistant Professor of Vocal Performance and Director, Program in Vocal Performance at NYU Steinhardt chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:Â
Check out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecol...
Calvin Leon Smith (MTCA Coach and Broadway's Cabaret) on Skill vs. Innate Ability
In this Artist Exploration, Calvin Leon Smith, an MTCA Monologue Coach and Clifford Bradshaw in Broadway’s Cabaret, chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
How an advertising student becomes a Juilliard graduate with a MFA in Acting Strategizing with your representation Auditioning for Cabaret as an actor first How to balance introducing yourself as an artist and auditioning for a roleCheck out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in worki...
Brenau Uniersity with Ste Clough
In this College Deep Dive, Ste Clough the Assistant Professor and the Director of Musical Theatre at Brenau University and Charlie Murphy, MTCA Director discuss:Â
đź”´ Redefining Brenau’s programÂ
đź”´ The nonverbal language in an audition
đź”´ The differentiation of acting in other countriesÂ
Check out our MTCA Events HERE!Â
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for y...
