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...
Lisa and Steven Frohlich (MTCA Parents) on “Fit-Maxing” your College Process
In this MTCA Parent Pod episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy sits down with Lisa and Steven Frohlich, parents of Mia Frohlich, who is headed to USC for Musical Theatre! They dive into their family’s experience navigating the college audition process, including:
When to step in and when to step back
Observing your child to make smart choices around logistics, auditions, and opportunities
Helping your child stand out before they even walk into the room
How to stay optimistic, manage the stress, and invest in what truly makes a difference
<...
Stephens College with Lisa Brescia
In this College Deep Dive, Lisa Brescia the Chair of Performance at Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
How to be your own manager by building self-advocacy skills and making personalized outreach to agents from freshman year Training as a working artist in six-week summer intensives, professional summer stock, and a strong actor-singer program General Education courses designed to feed artistic growth. What is the balance of excellence and radical humanity within a programIf you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach ou...
RE-AIR: Emma Flynn Bespolka (MTCA Alum and Broadway's Wicked) on Being Yourself Is “Popular”
In this Artist Exploration, Emma Flynn, an MTCA Alum and Glinda in Wicked chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Be yourself, trust your type, and bring your whole person into the room Grieve the setbacks, then release what you can’t control A "bad" audition story that will become her broadway debut! No school is perfect, but the one you choose becomes yours through the work, the mindset, and the investment you bring
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re inter...
RE-AIR Ali Louis Bourzgui (The Who’s Tommy) on Craving Critique and Openness
In this Artist Exploration, we welcome Ali Louis Bourzgui an MTCA Alum, Ithaca Alum and the titular role of the upcoming revival of The Who’s Tommy. MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy and Ali discuss:
Expectations of family members while auditioning Embracing the silliness of acting school Craving critique and finding openness Graduating during the pandemic Preparing for The Who’s TommyBe sure to check out Ali at the Nederlander Theatre in The Who’s Tommy
Join MTCA for a Webinar!
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach...
Summer Break Audio Blog: Generosity (and How it Applies to College Auditions!)
Tune in to the final audio blog of our summer break series!
You can read the written blog on our website 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 mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charlie Murphy...
Summer Break Audio Blog: Why Do I Even NEED Coaching? Can’t I do this on my own?
Summer break is here!
Listen as Charlie Murphy read one of his insightful blogs: Why Do I Even NEED Coaching? Can’t I do this on my own?
Find written blog 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 mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.
Follo...
Summer Break Audio Blog: Sharing, Not Hiding
It's Summer Break!!!
In this episode Charlie Murphy reads one of his blogs; Sharing, Not Hiding.
Read Blog HERE
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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 with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtca.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charli...
Summer Break Audio Blog - A Tip to Chunk up your Process and Avoid Burnout: Start Where you Are, Use What You Have, Do What you Can!
In this special summer break episode MTCA Director Charlie Murphy reads his audio blog: A Tip to Chunk up your Process and Avoid Burnout: Start Where you Are, Use What You Have, Do What you Can!
You can find the written blog HERE!
You can find the previous blog Charlie referenced 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 pre...
Ithaca College (ACT II) with Gavin Mayer
In this College Deep Dive Ithaca’s Associate Dean Gavin Mayer and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss;
What makes Ithaca’s program special
What type of student thrives at Ithaca
The training structure as well as the time abroad
The importance of showcase and how it can be an extension of a student’s education
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 Colleg...
Showcasing Showcases - Northern Michigan University
In this special episode MTCA Director Charlie Murphy makes the trek to attend NMU's senior showcase and gives us a behind the scenes look!
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charlie Murphy...
West Virginia University with Ryan Scoble
In this College Deep Dive the Head of Musical Theater at West Virginia University, Ryan Scoble and MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy Discuss:
What kind of student WVU is looking for in an audition
Life of a student on and off campus and the culture that their program cultivates
What type of student really thrives at WVU and the paths that are offered
How WVU structures their showcase
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re inte...
Showcasing Showcases - Wright State University
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7
About MTCA:
Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition...
Manhattanville University with Beth Burrier
In this College Deep Dive Director of Musical Theater Studies, Beth Burrier, and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
What it means to be a Manhattanville student and what they look for in applicants The advantages of Manhattanville's location and the opportunities it provides students How "true joy" translates in an audition room Why understanding the type of college experience you want is essential to finding the right fitIf 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 wit...
Showcasing Showcases - Carnegie Mellon University
In this Special Episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy attends Carnegie Mellon University’s 2026 Senior Showcase!
Charlie gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at the showcase experience, along with student and teacher interviews, plus his final review!
*****
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
...
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with Sarah Wigley and Lara Brooks
In this College Deep Dive Sarah Wigley (Clinical Professor of Voice) and Lara Brooks (Clinical Assistant Professor of Voice) at UIUC and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss:
The in’s and out’s of UIUC’s unique program and BMA degree
What type of student UIUC’s program might be right for
Exploring what campus life might look like
Diving deeper into the audition process and what UIUC is looking for
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’...
Leenya Rideout (Broadway's War Horse) On Navigating Every Corner of Theater
In this Artist Episode Leenya Rideout (Broadway’s War Horse) and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss;
Leenya’s musical background and journey through school
Leenya’s early career and her path to Broadway
Managing managers and agents
The exciting and rewarding experience of being in an Off-Broadway show
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...
Wright State with Greg Hellems & Ronvé O'Daniel
In this College Deep Dive Wright State’s Head of Musical Theater Greg Hellems and Assistant Professor Ronvé O’Daniel and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss;
The Wright State student
What it means to be a multi-hyphenate actor and how to hone those abilities
How Wright State’s program will grow and change along with the everchanging industry
What Wright State is looking for each year
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 wi...
Cast Album Podcast with Adam Gwon, Michelle Noh & Elizabeth Stanley
In this Artist Episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chats with Adam Gwon, Michelle Noh, and Elizabeth Stanley about the making of a cast album from the perspectives of a composer, a producer, and a performer
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musi...
Ohio Northern University with Tim McGarrigal
In this College Deep Dive, Assistant Professor and Head of Musical Theatre at Ohio Northern University Tim McGarrigal and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss:
ONU’s flexible curriculum
How students balance their degrees, double majors, multiple minors etc.
How ONU prepares students to go out into the business after graduation
ONU’s emphasis on community
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 Col...
Spring Break Audio Blog: All I Really Need to Know (about the College Theater Process) I Learned in Kindergarten (Or more specifically, in the process of applying to Kindergartens as a Parent in New York City)
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7
About MTCA:
Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition...
Texas Tech University with Dean Nolen
In this College Deep Dive, Dean Nolen the Associate Professor of Acting and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
🔴Texas Tech’s campus life and how it supports the arts
🔴What a day in the life as a student of Texas Tech looks like
🔴How important “the work” is as an actor and how Texas Tech supports that
🔴Generosity as an actor and what that means on and off the stage
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re interested i...
Ally Bonino (Suffs) On "Type" On a Broadway Stage
In this Artist Episode, Ally Bonino (Broadway’s Suffs and MTCA Coach) and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
Ally’s beginnings in theater
Behind the scenes of Suffs and its evolution
What “types” we’re still seeing on Broadway vs. regional productions
Discovering what makes you you in theater—and how to let that shine through
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 Colle...
SUNY Cortland with Deena J Conley
In this College Deep Dive Associate Professor and Chair of Performing Arts Deena J Conley and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss;
🔴 What makes the SUNY Cortland student
🔴 The landscape of showcases and how they are changing
🔴 Why liking your audition pieces is important
🔴 SUNY Cortland’s plans for the future and the program they want to build
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 individ...
Matt Rodin (National Tour of Company) on Authenticity
In this Artist Episode Matt Rodin from the national tour of company and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
🔴Matt’s audition journey to college
🔴How Matt felt like there was “no place” for him in theater
🔴Creating your own opportunity in this industry
🔴Bringing authenticity into the room, what that means and how to do it
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 prep...
Elon University ACT II (Acting) with Kim Shively
In this College Deep Dive, Kim Shively, Associate Professor of Performing Arts at Elon University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
🔴 The type of student an Elon Acting major is
🔴 Learning abroad in London
🔴 Diving deeper into what it means to study Meisner
🔴 The in’s and outs of the Elon acting audition 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 pre...
Unifieds Greenroom Interviews 2026
In this special episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy interviews students, parents, and coaches at the Chicago and LA Unified Auditions!
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
Charlie Murphy:@charmur7
About MT...
Drake University with Erin Degner
In this College Deep Dive, Erin Degner the Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Head of the BFA Musical Theatre Program chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Kindness counts, not as a strategy, but as a reflection of who you are Trust can feel more accessible than calm or confidence and serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety Direct industry connections often prove more effective than a traditional showcase Double majoring at Drake University is both frequent and accessible Integrated classes bring MTs, actors, and non-majors into collaborationIf you have any questions about the college a...
Anne Josephson, 3-Time MTCA Alumni Parent on Embracing Your Child’s Individuality
In this Artist Episode 3-Time MTCA Alumni Parent Anne Josephson and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
🔴Finding the right college - student fit
🔴What Anne learned the 2nd and 3rd time around and what she would do differently
🔴Some of the realities of professional life outside of college
🔴The different ways to support your child before, during and after college
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 i...
Florida Southern College with Christianne Roll (Bonus: Charlie’s Unifieds Thoughts!)
In this College Deep Dive, Christianne Roll, Musical Theatre Program Coordinator at FSC and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss;
🔴What it means to be a Florida Southern student
🔴FSC’s strong vocal education
🔴What the people behind the table at FSC are looking for
🔴A theater career after college and cruise ship stories
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...
Paul Kwak (Laryngologist) on Overall Vocal Health
In this Artist Episode Paul Kwak, Laryngologist Chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about
His musical journey to becoming a laryngologist
The importance of vocal technique
How to stay vocally healthy throughout the year
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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappi...
Pace University (Act II) with Amanda Flynn
In this College Deep Dive, we welcome Amanda Flynn the Program Head of Musical Theater at Pace University. Amanda Flynn is a former MTCA Vocal Tech Coach and has represented Pace University at MTCA’s Junior Intensive for the past two years! Amanda and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chat about:
How Pace supports professional work while still valuing graduation What a NYC “city campus” really means Try not to over-analyzing what happens in the room, focus on doing great work and let the process play out. What does doing an Early Decision Audition meanIf you have any que...
Kevin Munhall (Broadway’s Tootsie) on Breath, Stress, and Performance
In this Artist Exploration, Kevin Munhall (Broadway’s Tootsie) chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Build breathing and regulation habits before the stakes are high.
Nerves aren’t the enemy; what matters is how you perform under pressure, not just in practice.
Guardian angels open doors—but progress comes from saying yes, showing up, and putting in the work.
Authenticity isn’t people-pleasing—it’s doing the work your way, even under pressure.
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@ma...
Seton Hill with Joseph Domencic
In this College Deep Dive, Joseph Domencic the Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Theatre at Seton Hill University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Seton Hill’s superpower: individualized training—using a liberal arts model to tailor each student’s path, not force a single mold Why emerging programs can be powerful creative launchpads, offering real mentorship and intentional, student-centered growth Big gratitude for secondary theater teachers who spark confidence early and help young artists build foundations that last far beyond the stageIf you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach...
Marcus Crawford Guy (MTCA Song Coach MTCA & AMC’s “Turn: Washington’s Spies”) on The Actor’s Mindset
In this Artist Exploration, Marcus Crawford Guy a MTCA Song Coach MTCA and from AMC’s “Turn: Washington’s Spies” chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
How subtle quirks of timing can quietly reshape your path
Learning to trust who you already are at your core
Why the specific stories you tell (and choose to perform) reveal more than any list of traits
Discovering the mindset and preparation that actually bring out your best work
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out...
Northern Michigan University with Bill Digneit
In this College Deep Dive, Bill Digneit the Department Head and Professor of Theatre & Dance at Northern Michigan University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
How NMU is a place for adventurers Finding your best fit of school comes clear through auditions and conversations with current students. The benefits and tradeoffs of curricular freedom Entrepreneurial mindset: From unique showcases to transferable BFA skills, Bill models the creative problem-solving artists need today.If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re inte...
2025 Holiday Episode
In this Special 2025 Holiday Episode, Charlie discusses his monthly blog post "The Definitive, Ultimate, Universal, Top Ten List of Acting and Musical Theater Colleges"
Subjectivity Statistics PersonalizationIf 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.
Follow Us!
Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition
YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)
TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions
...
Britney Coleman from the National Tour of Company and Beetlejuice on Bringing Yourself to the Table
In this Artist Exploration, Britney Coleman, from the national tour of Company and Beetlejuice, chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
🔴Britney’s journey into theater and majoring in musical theater
🔴Her experience with A Very Potter Musical
🔴Touring and making a role your own
🔴What it means to "bring yourself to an audition"
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...
Texas Woman’s University with Julio Agustin Matos
In this College Deep Dive, Julio Agustin Matos the Artistic Manager of Musical Theatre at Texas Woman’s University chats about MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Texas Woman’s MT program is a brand-new, forward-looking Bachelor of Music that feels more like a BFA. Emerging programs can be hidden gems — it’s all about the right fit, not the label. Seeking students who are strong musicians and passionate, raw talent who haven’t always had access. Affordable, supported, and aligned with values of equity + care — including courses like Music & Wellness and Women in Music.If you have any questions...
Emma Flynn Bespolka (MTCA Alum and Broadway's Wicked) on Being Yourself Is “Popular”
In this Artist Exploration, Emma Flynn, an MTCA Alum and Glinda in Wicked chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
Be yourself, trust your type, and bring your whole person into the room Grieve the setbacks, then release what you can’t control A "bad" audition story that will become her broadway debut! No school is perfect, but the one you choose becomes yours through the work, the mindset, and the investment you bring
If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re inter...
Montclair State University with Ryan Kasparzcak
In this College Deep Dive, Ryan Kasparzcak the Head of Montclair’s Theatre and Dance and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
Candid look at their MT program, dance expectations, and admissions approach. Leading with your spark, and aiming for a little better every day. Flexibility within a conservatory-style BFA and how Montclair evaluates auditions. Real talk on waitlists, relationship-building, and navigating this process with clarity and confidence.
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...
