Mapping the College Audition: College Deep Dive

In this College Deep Dive, Jennifer Hemphill, the new Music Theater Director at Baldwin Wallace University and Charlie Murphy, Director of MTCA chat about: How Jennifer’s leadership is shaping a new chapter in the program’s curriculum Faculty checking social media and your digital footprint  How BW is focusing on students who value process over product “Match or Beat” mindset — schools want to wor...

In this College Deep Dive, Joel Ferrell, a Professor of Practice in Theatre and Inaugural Director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre at Southern Methodist University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy.  Building a Musical Theater program on top of an already established Acting program The power of chutzpah: cultivating artists who will challenge with a real point of view. Confidence...

In this College Deep Dive, James Beaudry the Clinical Assistant Professor of Music Theatre, Director of Undergraduate Studies for University At Buffalo’s Dept. of Theatre and Dance and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  🔴 The growing musical theatre program 🔴 University At Buffalo’s culture  🔴Body and mind connectedness  🔴The importance of a personal statement  If you have any questions ab...

In this College Deep Dive,  Tom Delbello the Co-head of Musical Theatre: Head of Production and New Works at Texas State and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  Shared leadership brings balance and collaboration. Texas State’s political climate Affordable tuition + hub auditions = great value  Even after an early audition, staying in touch builds relationships. If you have any questions about t...

In this College Deep Dive Diane Timmerman Professor of Theatre and Department Chair and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  🔴 Mixing and matching majors at Butler  🔴 Where Butler University excels  🔴 The benefits of being a multi-hyphenate actor  🔴 the desire to be open as an actor  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecol...

In this College Deep Dive, Jennifer Engler the Department Chair and Professor of Theatre at Texas Christian University chats with MTCA Director about:  University-sized training in a small, close-knit setting just outside Dallas-Fort Wort Access to regional theatre and on-camera work—opportunities on and off campus Showcase options that fit your goals—open or closed  And yes… the “Nice” culture is...

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:  Historic campus of Michigan State  How an actor first program is looking for you to adjust within the audition  The Power of entrepreneurial spirit in theatre Leaning on your community to collaborat...

In this College Deep Dive, Victoria Bussert, Head of Musical Theater Oberlin College chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:  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...

In this College Deep Dive, MTCA Charlie Murphy chats with Jessica Boevers Bogart and Sydney Morton from University of Michigan. They chat about:  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 mea...

In this College Deep Dive MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy, Assistant Professor of Theater, Jacob Ben Widmar and Head of Musical Theater, Danny Gurwin Discuss; 🔴Oakland’s new direction  🔴A student’s relationship with teachers and a program as a whole 🔴Seeing a student’s true self in an audition room  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@ma...

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: 🔴Summer stocks audition opportunities at school who come directly to your class!  🔴Collaborative rehearsal process  🔴Student centered campus  🔴Expand...

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 🔴Faculty Influence on Program Quality 🔴Demonstrating Interest in Schools 🔴Genuine Curiosity over Showiness For info email: matthew.chellis@colorado.edu and visit CU Boulder Website    If you have any questions a...

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:  Getting a built in Masters of Science in Management  Benefits of a small class size  Can I network to colleges as a high schooler?  Getting to know the business of the business  If you have any questions about the college audition process, fee...

In this College Deep Dive, David Herendeen the Director of Opera and Musical Theater at Oklahoma City University and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:  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 riffi...

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: Do alumni names matter when looking at a school? How to get organized for the audition season. Do I need a new email?  Ways parents can give their child agency to lead What is prescriptive casting  If you have any questions about the college audit...

In this College Deep Dive, Lauren Haughton, BFA Director at FSU and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Discuss:  🔴FSU’s strong dance focus 🔴The importance of research and preparation   🔴The intersection of community and professionalism  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 MT...

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 🔴 The experience of going to a smaller school  🔴 The future of Viterbo  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeauditi...

In this College Deep Dive Robert Hoyt the Director of Admissions & Recruitment for NYU Tisch Drama and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy chat about: Early decisions submission strategy  Fill out your FAFSA, even if you do not like you will qualify  Authenticity versus strategy  Multi-hyphenates NYU cultivates  Visit @thefund4collegeaudition to learn about the Fund and relief efforts.  If you have any q...

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.  Follow Us!  Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition YouTube: @MTCA (Musical...

In this College Deep Dive, Dr. Grace Edgar from Midwestern State University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:  Non-audition BFA program  Small individualized program   What am I looking for now and where do I want to be in five years?  Tailoring their interest to production aspects of theater  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mail...

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 Students  Check out our MEET MTCA Workshop HERE! If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach...

In this artist exploration In this artist exploration, Justin Lee Miller from Interlochen Art Academy and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss: 🔴 Interlochen’s expert faculty  🔴The different artistic paths in the academy  🔴Interlochen’s gap year program  🔴The pros and cons of a performing arts high school  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at...

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:  Unique audition requirements for UCLA’s BA based program  Balancing the responsibilities of double majors Producing your class’ showcase  Squeaky wheel in creating your own schedule and pursuing your education  Check out our MTCA Events HERE! ...

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:   Misconceptions of the “letters” of the degree  What is the difference between NYU Tisch or NYU Steinhardt  How is NYU Steinhardt preparing students for the business? Financial Initiatives  Vocal expertise of...

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:  🔴 Redefining Brenau’s program  🔴 The nonverbal language in an audition 🔴 The differentiation of acting in other countries  Check out our MTCA Events HERE!  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to rea...