Mapping the College Audition: Artist Exploration

In this Artist Exploration Andrew Hovelson (Broadway’s Stranger Things) and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss:  Andrew’s journey with education through college and after What a sustainable career in acting can look like  The financial reality of being an actor  Self tapes and the control, or lack of it an actor has If you have any questions about the college audition process, fee...

In this Artist Episode the Greenway family and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss; How the Greenway’s made the decision to go through the college audition process a second time The importance of finding college programs that align with a student’s individual goals The difference in preparation for Jane the first time versus the second What worked for the Greenway’s both times throughout the proc...

In this Artist Exploration, composer, lyricist, and writer Ryan Scott Oliver and Tony Award winner Lindsay Mendez join MTCA Director Charlie Murphy for a conversation about: Rejections and how it can lead them to NYC and ultimately to successful careers in theater, education, and TV/film.  How specificity doesn’t limit your versatility. Building a career means more than landing the next show—...

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 y...

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 re...

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 ind...

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 fr...

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 aud...

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 qu...

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 f...

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 peop...

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 pre...

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 audi...

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 min...

In this Artist Exploration, Sara Jean Ford from Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  Showing colleges “who you are” isn’t a gimmick Grow as an artist by letting instead of forcing Diversify your inputs—read plays, watch great work, listen widely Self-discovery is the real audition: knowing what you know, what you want to say, and the stories only you...

In this Artist Exploration, MTCA Alum and Carnegie Mellon graduate Molly Griggs (John Proctor Is The Villain) joins MTCA Director Charlie Murphy for a conversation about: Does the ease of Zoom make us more connected — or more naive as artists? The power of “I see you” — and learning to say it to ourselves. Be willing to be embarrassed — that’s where authenticity begins. Be bold enough to be ugly,...

New Episode Alert: MTCA’s second-ever live pod from the Pittsburgh Unified's faculty Q&A — featuring 26 schools across 5 panels! Speed Dating College Edition! Hear the real people behind the programs — not just the websites. Remember: You’re auditioning them too. When it feels rushed, slow down — it’s your time. Be authentically you — let your quirks shine. Show genuine interest — a kind follow-up...

In this Artist Exploration, David Loud, Author of Facing the Music, chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy. Tune in for a conversation about careers, detours, and navigating your ever-changing “Point Z.” Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled...

In this Artist Exploration, Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder) and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  From tennis scholarship to stage & screen — mastering the “inner game” of performance Process over product: Walnut Street Theatre + MFA at UT shaped his craft Talent is universal, access is not — driving change through representation Launching The Right To Be There scholarship Remin...

In this Artist Exploration,  comedians Chanel Ali & Sarah Cooper chat with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about: Comedy, acting & social media: where the lines blur Sarah’s “contract with herself” at 16 Chanel on authenticity & true voice Bold risks + following your creative pull Check out Chanel in her off-Broadway debut in Relative Stranger at Soho Playhouse  If you have any questions about the co...

In this Artist Exploration, Gerianne Perez from Broadway’s In Transit chat with MTCA Director Charlie about:  The importance of staying active + connected with your agent Balancing a side job while pursuing your craft How early exposure in NYC shapes your path Growing authentically + organically to find the right school fit If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to...

In this special LIVE podcast episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy sits down with MTCA alum Steven Telsey to discuss Steven’s journey through the college audition process and beyond—plus, they answer audience questions live during Summer Faculty Masterclass Week! If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you’re...

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 🔴How his outlook on the industry was an asset 🔴Performing in a new musical 🔴The importance of doing the work so you can “twirl”  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecolle...

In this Artist Exploration, Class of 2025 MTCA Alumni Parent Colleen Kessler and Director of MTCA Charlie Murphy discuss;  🔴A fresh perspective on the Musical Theater College Auditions Experience  🔴How to enjoy this time with your student  🔴Raising Gifted children  🔴How homeschooling impacts the college audition process  You can learn more about Colleen and Raising Lifelong Learners HERE! If y...

In this Artist Exploration, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chats with Built for the Stage Founder, Joe Rosko on:  Is it possible to be a D1 Athlete and get a BFA in musical theater? Point of obsession and striving for excellence  How to build a business on passions  When is it time to pursue other passions?  How to delegate tasks  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel fr...