Hear from MCA Alum!

Tiffany Alvarez | MCA Scholarship Student
Emerson College
BFA Musical Theatre

When I first started the college audition process, I was utterly overwhelmed. But when I found MCA, it was a huge weight lifted from my chest. Without my MCA coaches, I would not have been able to finish the college audition process. As someone who is not a dancer first, I needed a coach like Kristen to support me and help me feel confident through my dance prescreens. Gigi was someone that I could always (and still can) come to when I had trouble and needed support. Sam truly helped me connect and feel confident with my pieces. MCA taught me to always be authentically myself. I have never had a group of individuals consistently support me the way my coaches at MCA had. When joining MCA, you are truly entering a lifelong family. I am so incredibly blessed to have had MCA in my corner, and I cannot wait to see the MCA fam continue to grow.


Cara DiPietro
Elon University
BFA Musical Theatre

From the very first appointment with MCA, I realized that I hadn't just found a group of coaches — I had found a family! The people and coaches at MCA helped me to realize that I didn't need to change who I was in order to fit a mold certain colleges wanted me to fit into. I know that there are lots of coaching companies out there, but I can promise you that none of them will ever compare to the love, support, and training you will receive at MCA.

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Chesney Mitchell
CCM (U Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music)
BFA Musical Theatre

Working with MCA was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The coaches that I worked with provided me with audition material, professional advice on how to handle myself in the room, and most importantly the confidence that I was ready for this. I knew throughout the whole difficult process of auditions that my coaches were happy to help me with whatever I needed. There was nothing more comforting than knowing that I had their full support. Thank you MCA for helping me pursue my dreams!


Saket Damle
NYU Tisch
BFA Acting

My experience with MCA has been an amazing one. I went from being unsure and nervous about the whole process to feeling confident and nailing every audition. I come from a family with no experience in theater or the performing arts and I can safely say that if you choose to work with MCA, you'll be in great hands. Gigi has a vast knowledge of many colleges and is absolutely amazing at preparing you for interviews. Sarah helped me so much with picking out the perfect monologues. To be honest even after running the monologues once with her I wasn't sure if I picked the "perfect" one but soon realized my monologues were my greatest asset. All the teachers are so welcoming and have such bright personalities it's hard to not perform at your best with all their support. Thank you so much MCA!


Tyler DeCouto
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
BFA MT

Partnering with MCA for the college audition process was the best thing I ever did! From day one, it was clear that each and every one of the coaches was completely invested in my individual process. Not only did they help me prepare my material, film my pre-screens, and navigate the process overall, they also acted as my biggest cheerleaders from audition to audition. At MCA, it is clear that being a support system for their students is the number one priority!


Jeyrie Rodriguez
CalArts (California Institute of the Arts)
MFA Acting

My coaches helped me sift through the myriad of programs/institutions and choose ones that fit my needs and desires as an artist/performer. They also helped me find monologues that fit like a glove and coached me to find my voice in each piece. All the while, they helped me stay grounded, on task, and helped me troubleshoot and navigate each step of the way. With my coaches support, my confidence and performance was bolstered throughout my audition process. I truly could not have done it without them. If you are looking to enroll in a BFA or MFA performance program and are looking for attentive support, masterful coaching, and unwavering encouragement, I could not recommend MCA enough.


Elena Schlax
NYU Tisch
BFA Musical Theatre

After getting a relatively late start in the process, MCA came in at the perfect time and made sure that I was completely prepared for all of my prescreens and auditions. I started with them at the beginning of September, and by November the MCA faculty had helped me make a list of schools that they had compiled by using preferences that I communicated. Not only that, I had monologues and songs that I was excited about and ready to submit. MCA also set up prescreen filming and headshot appointments for me to make sure that I had all of the resources that I needed. In the end, I applied to 21 schools and got in Early Decision to NYU Tisch for BFA MT. I could not be where I am today without the help of the MCA faculty!


Tina Nakata
Penn State University
BFA Acting

My journey with MCA started when I was a Junior. Nobody around me at school had experienced MT/Acting auditions in the US, and I was feeling extremely unprepared and lost. However, Gigi and my coaches gently took my hand and guided me throughout two years. Their monthly webinars and mock auditions were so helpful that my notebook was filled with essential notes. Their professionalism was incredible. They know each university extremely well, including pros and cons. They don’t just recommend schools based on a “ranking” from the internet, but what would best fit me. Thus, I ended up falling in love with all schools from my college list! Also, they treated me like a star during a hard and long audition season, which meant a lot to me to keep myself resilient and tough. I cannot describe how lucky and grateful I am to have met them.


Josh Negussié
Rutgers University
BFA Acting

In the beginning of this summer, it felt like there was a big unknown about the college audition process that I could never understand. But after I had worked with the MCA faculty, not only did they help me adapt into the college audition atmosphere, but they also encouraged my artistic choices and helped me cultivate a repertoire that was a reflection of who I am. Ultimately, MCA supported the ambitions that I had, and created the opportunity that changed the trajectory of my college process for the better.  


Jessica Sanders
Ohio Northern University
BFA Musical Theatre

At the beginning of the audition process, I was anxious, overwhelmed, and totally clueless. Then I met Sarah. She and the rest of the MCA team made me feel incredibly comfortable from the first moment I talked with them, and made the process not only manageable but fun! They overflow with helpful information, take time to listen and care, and help you form healthy mental habits that are crucial for a professional career. Now that I’m at the end of the process, I can say without a doubt - I am confident, I am content, and I am overflowing with joy! If you have any worries about the audition process, join the MCA family. They will change your life!


Parent to Alexa Powell Wang
Pace University
BFA Musical Theatre

Before finding My College Audition, my daughter and I had no idea how to navigate the college musical theatre audition process. Essentially, we didn't know what we didn't know: the crucial importance of a well crafted list of schools; a well-designed audition schedule; the ins and outs of prescreens....the list goes on. Throughout a marathon year we fondly call "AuditionPalooza", MCA was there providing knowledgeable guidance, emotional support, and real talk when it was needed. As a parent I have learned how rare it is to find a resource that a) knows its content b) understands child development and c) communicates equally well with children and parents. MCA hits all three right out of the park and emphasizes kindness and professionalism every step of the way.


Anastasia Maglaras
The Hartt School at University of Hartford
BFA Acting

Coming into this process, I had never been in any sort of production, had no formal training, and was in the midst of a vocal injury. Needless to say, when I went on Zoom with Gigi for the first time, I knew I was going to be way behind. However, that was not the case at all. The difference between MCA and any other company is that they still worked with me, believed in me, and treated me as if I had all the chances in the world to be accepted into a prestigious program. My coaches cared so much about me as an individual and a performer. On top of all the support, I’ve also already made great connections to those in the industry that I would not have made if I did not join the MCA family. I still keep in touch with my coaches and look forward to remaining close to them for years to come. There is a sense of professionalism that is incorporated into MCA, whether it’s preparing in a lesson with a coach or crying on Zoom because of a rejection. I owe ALL of my success in the college audition process to MCA and, if I do say so myself… they are truly miracle workers! 


Parent to Mazzy Ranado
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (UK)
BFA Acting: Screen + Digital Media

We started this process knowing nothing of the specifics of applying for a BFA. I stumbled upon MCA after internet diving and seeing a random post about coaches for acting. Thank god I did. From our first meeting from 5000 miles away (at that time we lived overseas) to the last acceptance, MCA has been there all the way. Sarah and the team worked to help our daughter choose the right monologues and when one wasn’t working, helped her find another one she connected with. They are 100% honest about the process every step of the way. Their monthly webinars kept us focused and we always knew we could schedule a session. Our daughter chose the most amount of sessions she could because she came with little acting experience. She worked with her MCA acting coach to hone her monologues for prescreens and had sessions before auditions. We even drove from DC for the invaluable Mock Auditions. Throughout the process there were ups and downs but we felt fully prepared as a family because MCA had given us the tools to navigate them. I could write pages about MCA but I’ll finish with that we truly couldn’t have done this without them. Our daughter ended up being accepted to many BFA’s and will go to her dream school. Trust the process, listen to and trust MCA. They’ve got you!


Rania Tahiri
Arts Ed London
BFA Acting

I cannot recommend MCA and their wonderful team enough. I’ve had the opportunity to work with them for two years and for both Musical Theatre and Acting college auditions. I went from knowing absolutely nothing about this process to getting into some of my dream college programs. I cannot thank Sarah enough for not only working with me on my material and making me feel like I could nail every audition but also my confidence and helping me work through the challenges I faced. I always felt like I could contact her for anything I needed and she would be there to help me. I simply wouldn’t have been able to get through this process without Sarah and everyone else. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You’re part of every one of my successes!


Colin McCarthy
Emerson College
BFA Musical Theatre

When I think of MCA, the first word that comes to mind is “Family”. I thought that by working with MCA I would have coaches who did the one thing they promised to do: Get me into college. However, I didn't expect that in the process I would also gain new mentors, role models, and most importantly friends. So, join the family, because the MCA coaches are not only going to help you get into college, but they will also become friends for life.


Isabel Machado
Pace University
BFA Acting for FTVC

I only ever had Virtual prep, and I have never connected so well with people through a video camera. When I met with my coaches personally it solidified that these are the people I want to be around for the rest of my life. I have never learned so much and felt so confident in myself and this is all due to the MCA team. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing company, I have never felt so much love. MCA didn't just help me prepare for auditions for college, it helped me prepare for life. There really is no other way, but MCA.


Parent to Dylan Rhodes
Webster Conservatory
BFA Musical Theatre

MCA was the compass that guided us on the unknown path of college auditions! From our first meeting, we knew that Sarah's expertise was something we wanted on our team. In the end, we felt like we gained a whole family of people who had Dylan's best interests at heart, learned to know her (even through the zoom screen!) and were her cheerleaders every step of the way! It was rollercoaster of a year, but we are so grateful to have found My College Audition. Dylan landed at a school where she feels wanted, inspired, and knows she will thrive over the next four years. YES MCA, you were worth every penny!


John Pagliarulo
The Hartt School
BFA Acting

Can you EVER really show your gratitude to someone who helped you follow your dreams? MCA’s dream team of coaches not only gave me the skills to take on anything this college audition process threw at me, but the confidence and constant encouragement to believe in myself. I was touched that they took the time to know me and provided me with material that brought out the best of who I am. I left every session with a smile and feeling like a million bucks!! MCA treats all of its students like family. They are here for your FOR LIFE which is great — because I never want to say goodbye. Love you Gigi, Sarah, Justin, Joe, and Nile! You changed my life and I’m forever thankful :)

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Amandalyn McLellan
NYU Tisch
BFA Acting

MCA is the reason I was accepted by the BFA program I have been dreaming about attending since I was 11 years old. The first year I tried auditioning for schools (2 years ago) I used a different acting coach and was turned down from almost every school I applied to. I was heart broken and attended a university that I didn’t really care for, for a year. Luckily for me, after searching on the web for acting coaches I found MCA. The MCA team is so kind and talented and was absolutely the key factor in my success this year. After going through the MCA process I felt extremely confident and prepared for every single one of my auditions. This year I was accepted to 5 BFA programs. I am now attending Tisch at NYU as a BFA Acting major. Without MCA I wouldn’t have had that kind of success. MCA was the best decision I’ve ever made!


Shaun White
CCPA at Roosevelt University
BFA Musical Theatre

My College Audition was the most amazing thing to ever happen to me! I most certainly would not have been able to handle the crazy college audition process if it wasn't for this amazing program! Each and every coach is so kind and talented! They are so honest, genuine, and they connect with each student so well! Auditions are really stressful and I did not know where to even start before I met the MCA team. What MCA does is inspiring!

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Elizabeth Rees
Texas State University
BFA Acting

Thanks to MCA, I was not only fully prepared for my auditions, but when it came down to picking the right school to attend, I received honest and professional guidance on how each of the programs compared with one another. Through MCA I was paired with two of the best coaches who worked with me to shape my hand-picked monologues into unique and powerful pieces to present. I am so grateful for the high caliber and compassionate coaching at MCA - I felt supported and prepared. I cannot recommend anyone or any program more highly.


Abby Matsusaka 
Montclair State
BFA Musical Theatre

MCA was supportive and encouraging while also making me a better auditioner and performer. I went into all of my auditions prepared and very confident because I knew that they were all rooting for me! Before working with MCA, I had never done a monologue before! There is no way I would have gotten to where I am right now without everyone at MCA’s guidance, so all I can say is thank you!

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Sam Fidler
Emerson College
BFA Theatre & Performance

College coaching is kind of a misnomer. There are so many self-proclaimed "coaches" who are more akin to sculptors, treating kids like indistinguishable blocks of marble to be shaped into a perfect but lifeless statue. The fine folks at MCA, however, are so much more than just coaches. I'm more likely to call them teachers, geniuses, and most importantly, my close friends. At an MCA lesson, I am not a blank canvas on which to be painted, but an individual with unique traits that exist to be identified and amplified. MCA didn't make me a different person, it made me the best version of myself. The reason my MCA coaches are so good at treating people like real human beings is probably because they're some of the realest human beings I know.


Pamela White
University of the Arts
BFA Directing, Playwriting, + Production

MCA literally got me through the college audition season. This process has been long, and grueling, and crazy, and the biggest rollercoaster of emotions I have ever experienced, but the coaches at MCA were there to keep me smiling at every turn. I wouldn't even have known about the college I am going to attend if it weren't for my original consultation with Sarah. I could not recommend this group more highly!


Alissa Dellork
Otterbein University
BFA Acting

One of many things I admire about MCA is their respect for a student’s individuality. They take the time to know YOU so the colleges can see the real YOU as well! MCA never failed to create a judgment free and collaborative environment, and I never felt limited under their direction! Aside from everything else, I want to point out how genuine and down to earth the coaches at MCA are. This industry is tough as it is, and sometimes it’s easy to forget how to be real. My coaches are some of the most real and honest people I have ever worked with. And, Joe, your kindness is contagious! Words can’t describe how much your mentorship has meant to me over this long year. I will never forget our 20 minute freak-out over the phone when I found out I was accepted into my dream school! When I think of MCA, I can’t help but smile and feel so lucky and proud.


Nick Davis
Penn State University
BFA Musical Theatre

My College Audition is a NECESSITY. I would not have survived the stress and uncertainty of the college audition process without the whole MCA team. The competition and stakes at these auditions are so high, and the process is just too complicated for one person or family to handle. But what the MCA team do, which no other college audition coach or company has yet to master, is make personal and individual connections with each and every student. They not only taught me how to execute a successful college audition, but they provided me with so much support and individual attention that made me feel so comfortable. To be concise: MCA was my savior, my comfort, and my support system for this entire senior year. There is no other way, but MCA.


Claire Sundbye
CCPA at Roosevelt University
BFA Acting

One thing I feared about using a college coach was that I would lose my individuality, that I’d feel like I needed to compromise myself. I was wrong. My coaches encouraged me to embrace what makes me who I am, and use it to my advantage. They made me excited to audition, excited to showcase what I could do. I felt valued, and empowered! P.S. My father, who is historically hard to please, thinks MCA is absolutely incredible."


Samuel Cohen
​CCM (College-Conservatory of Music)
BFA Musical Theatre 

One thing that sets apart MCA from other programs is their attention to each individual. They can see where you struggle the most and they will push you beyond your limits. One thing I found most helpful was the mental performance sessions taught by Stephanie. She gave me the tools I needed to get out of my own head and to be able to present the best work possible in the audition room. She also instilled in me the confidence to recognize the gifts I had to offer the world. These sessions not only got me accepted into my dream school, but they gave me the strength to better serve myself as a human being and an artist.


Rachel Berry
Webster Conservatory
BFA Acting

I have grown so much as both a performer and a person from my lessons at MCA. Each lesson was filled with such enthusiastic, positive energy; the coaches truly want what is best for you and want you to succeed. From my first meeting with MCA, I felt so welcomed and seen. They asked me what I looked for in a school — that question caught me off guard because until then, I did not realize I got to choose what I wanted from my education! The rest of my wonderful coaches were so supportive and made sure I knew that I was in the driver's seat. All my coaches were actively emailing me between each lesson to check if I had any questions or wanted clarification on anything discussed earlier. The support did not stop once audition season began; my coaches were so kind as to help me brush up on my material and keep it fresh throughout this entire process. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without the MCA team.


Joey Pittorino
Pace University
BFA Acting

As I started to prepare for the college audition process I was a mess. I had lousy material, I was unorganized, and I didn't even know what a pre-screen was. To make matters worse I kept hearing horror stories of kids who who hated the college audition process and were not getting into schools. I was terrified and knew that I had to do something to prevent the worst from happening. Enter MCA. From the moment I had my first meeting I knew I was in good hands and all my worries started to fade away. Thank you to everyone at MCA for all of their support, help, and guidance.


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Natalie Livingston
The Hartt School
BFA Musical Theatre

Working with people like the MCA team has taught me so much. Not only have I grown as a performer, but I have grown exponentially as a person. They welcome you with open arms, and help you genuinely know that you can do ANYTHING, because you CAN. Without these people I still would be that shy girl, longing to chase her dreams but too timid to. They are beautiful, caring people with kind hearts who care so much about you, and are willing to do ANYTHING they can to help you succeed and believe, in your own heart, that you will. There's no way to comprehend how much I appreciate them. Thank you so much, to all of you, for being some of the key factors that have contributed to shaping me into the woman I am today... and for helping my parents not panic about the fact that I'm going to school for theater :) I love you guys!


Miles Blue
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
BFA Acting

“I could not have done it without MCA. Both artistically and organizationally, My College Audition set me on the right track, managed expectations, and got me into the dream school I hadn’t even heard about before working with them.”


Trinity Ezedi | MCA Scholarship Student
USC
BA Theatre

My experience with the MCA family was seamless from the very beginning when I submitted my scholarship application. I was assigned to Ms. Gigi Watson and she welcomed me with open arms and more than sufficiently prepared me for the joys and challenges of the college audition process. If it were not for the scholarship opportunity, I would not have been able to afford this exceptional program. I most definitely would not have had as much success in my audition journey if not for the abundant resources and support I received from MCA. I will never forget my experience in this program and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that it awarded me.


Parent to Tim Troilo
Oklahoma City University
BM Musical Theatre

MCA was instrumental in helping Tim get where he is and in helping us all get through this unique and overwhelming process.  The MCA website and resources, the monthly newsletters, and the webinars and bootcamps that we participated in were invaluable in helping us stay on track and giving us the necessary resources to do so. 

We have been so lucky and are so thankful to have had Sarah for our consultant!!  From our very first zoom meeting with her until the end, Sarah was such a kind, supportive, knowledgeable ally to guide us on this journey.  Her check ins, her insights, her guidance, her supportive and encouraging emails ... We always knew she had our backs and that we could count on and lean on her. It also meant so much that as we changed our thoughts and what we were looking for in colleges/programs back and forth throughout this year and a half, she always went with it, was supportive, suggested additional colleges etc.  We always knew she was there to support us and guide us and that she had Tim's best interests at heart.  We would not be where we are right now without her. Thank you Sarah!!!