Mapping the College Audition: Artist Exploration

Mapping the College Audition: Artist Exploration

By Broadway Podcast NetworkEducationArtsPerforming Arts
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Mapping the College Audition: Artist Exploration episodes

  • Sara Jean Ford (The Phantom of the Opera) on the The Aging Ingenue

    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 can tell.
    • If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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

      1 hr 25 min
    • Molly Griggs (MTCA Alum & John Proctor Is The Villain) on Taking Risks

      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, and brave enough to be real.

      • If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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

        1 hr 22 min
      • LIVE POD at Pittsburgh Unified Auditions: Faculty Q&A Panel

        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 goes a long way.
        • If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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. 


          And for more information on the amazing ladies who run Pittsburgh Unifieds Auditions, check them out at: https://www.pittsburghunifiedsauditions.com


          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

          2 hr 25 min
        • David Loud on Facing the Music

          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 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

          1 hr 3 min
        • Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder) on Identify

          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
          • Reminder: “Feed clean” — protect your mental health from social media toxins
          • If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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

            58 min
          • Chanel Ali & Sarah Cooper on Boldness and the Blurred Lines of Art

            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 college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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

              1 hr 22 min
            • Gerianne Perez (Broadway’s In Transit) on Balancing Hustle and Heart in the Industry

              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 reach out at [email protected]. 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.nyc], 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

                1 hr 20 min
              • LIVE Pod Q&A With Steven Telsey (MTCA Alumni & Broadway’s Harmony)

                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 [email protected]. 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.nyc], 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

                1 hr 16 min
              • Curtis Holland (Broadway’s The Great Gatsby) on Being True to YOU

                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 [email protected]. 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.nyc], 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

                1 hr 13 min
              • Colleen Kessler (MTCA Alumni Parent and Host of Raising Lifelong Learners) on Empowering Your Student Through The College Audition Process

                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 you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. 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.nyc], 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

                2 hr 6 min

              About Mapping the College Audition: Artist Exploration

              From the publisher's feed

              A subset of the larger Mapping the College Audition podcast feed, this one focused on Artist Exploration.