A subset of the larger Mapping the College Audition podcast feed, this one focused on the College Audition Process.
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.nyc.
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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 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
West Virginia University with Ryan Scoble
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • Duration 47:08
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 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
Manhattanville University with Beth Burrier
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 • Duration 49:07
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 fit
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 and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with Sarah Wigley and Lara Brooks
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 01:16:05
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’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 adn edited by Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wright State with Greg Hellems & Ronvé O'Daniel
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 01:10:45
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 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 and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ohio Northern University with Tim McGarrigal
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 58:23
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 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 by Meghan Cordier, Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Texas Tech University with Dean Nolen
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • Duration 01:09:21
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 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 by Meghan Cordier, Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SUNY Cortland with Deena J Conley
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 44:56
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 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 by Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elon University ACT II (Acting) with Kim Shively
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 • Duration 01:25:25
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 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 by Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Drake University with Erin Degner
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • Duration 01:07:35
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 collaboration
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 by Meghan Cordier, Kelly Prendergast and Socials by Jordan Rice. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds with Additional Vocals from Elizabeth Stanley
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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