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 will provide bonus tips and insights from 17+ years of expertise in this niche of the industry. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you want to learn more about MTCA, you can check us out at mtca.com.
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Betsy and Stella (MTCA Alumni Student and Parent) on Family Communication and Connection
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 • Duration 01:34:22
In this episode, alumni student and parent Betsy and Stella Samuel join MTCA Director Charlie Murphy to discuss:
The decision-making process between Acting and Musical Theatre programs
Prioritizing fit over the status of a school or program
The types of communication that worked best for Betsy and Stella
The importance of being yourself in the audition room and throughout the college 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 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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CCM Act III (Acting) with Brant Russell
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Duration 01:14:22
In this College Deep Dive Associate Professor of Acting at CCM Brant Russell and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss;
What makes a student the ideal fit for CCM Acting
An inside look at CCM’s acting curriculum and the training students receive
How CCM prepares students to navigate the professional world beyond college
How curiosity and passion shine through in an audition and why that matters
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Faculty Panel Night Two at PUA (Live Pod!)
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 01:18:59
Another live pod from Pittsburgh Unified Auditions weekend!
MTCA Director Charlie Murphy Interviews 13 more schools!
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Faculty Panel at PUA (Live Pod!)
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 01:16:48
In this special episode, MTCA Director Charlie Murphy interviews representatives from 23 different schools in a fast-paced, “speed dating” style format!
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andrew Hovelson on being a "useful" actor
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 01:38:16
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, 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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Juilliard School with Kathleen McNenny
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 01:33:36
In this College Deep Dive, Drama faculty member Kathleen McNenny from The Juilliard School and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
What makes Juilliard unique compared to other acting programs
The importance of students bringing their authentic selves into the audition room
What Juilliard looks for when evaluating young and developing artists
How Juilliard’s conservatory-style curriculum differs from a traditional BFA program
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Greenway Family (MTCA Alumni) on Navigating the College Audition Process Twice
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 01:17:38
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 process and how it changed
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drew University with John DiResta
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:13:30
In this College Deep Dive Assistant Professor of Theater Arts at Drew University John DiResta and MTCA Director Charlie Murphy discuss:
What type of student can thrive in a BA
How a Drew student is prepared for life after college
The in’s and out’s of the admission process
How the Major and Minor works within the BA Theater Program
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lindsay Mendez & Ryan Scott Oliver on Actor Therapy
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 01:17:15
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—it’s about mentorship, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and developing your own artistic hustle.
Their new book: How to Succeed in Musical Theatre Without Really Dying: The Actor's Guide to Booking Work and Building a Career That Lasts
Find out more about Actor Therapy 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:@charmur7
About MTCA:
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 a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Meghan Cordier and Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Boston University ACT II (Acting) With Harry Castle
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 01:25:18
In this College Deep Dive, Harry Castle the Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Boston University chats with MTCA Director Charlie Murphy about:
The similarity and differences between the Acting BFA and BFA Theater Arts degrees
How BU implements an Acting focus into the curriculum and prioritizes developing your craft as an actor
Exploring a minor outside of acting and a junior year semester abroad
How to navigate the site specific monologue prescreen requirement
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 process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.
About Charlie Murphy:
Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC.
With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.com], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process.
This episode was produced and edited by Meghan Cordier and Kelly Prendergast. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices