College musical theatre auditions can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Hear directly from Aspire students and families about how the right support brings clarity, confidence, and a plan to every step of the process.

Get to know the person behind Aspire. In this personal look at my journey—from performing on national tours to coaching students through the college audition process—I’m sharing what I’ve learned, what I wish I knew, and how I guide students to show up as their most authentic, prepared selves.

Most families enter the college musical theatre audition process focused on the obvious—songs, monologues, and school lists.
But the biggest stressors? They usually come from the things no one talks about early enough.

From misused time and finances to overlooked conversations and mindset shifts, these are the 7 things that can make or break your audition journey—and how to get ahead of them.

Choosing college audition material can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. The right song or monologue isn’t about choosing the most dramatic or technically difficult piece. It’s about finding material that tells a complete story, showcases your strengths, and allows your authentic artistry to shine. In this guide, we break down exactly what to look for when selecting audition material in the spring and early summer so students can head into senior year feeling confident and prepared.

Performer and educator Julie Kavanagh introduces her new role as owner of Aspire College Auditions and shares how she helps students and families navigate the musical theatre college audition process.

When should you start musical theatre college audition prep? Learn the ideal junior-to-senior year timeline for MT College Auditions to avoid burnout, rushed prescreens, and overwhelm.