Behind the Scenes with Aspire Owner & Director, Julie Kavanagh!
When it comes to college musical theatre auditions, there’s a lot of information coming your way—and if we’re going to work together, you deserve to know who’s in your corner. So, here’s a little bit about me.
I trained at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where I earned my BFA in Musical Theatre—and from there, I jumped straight into a career that’s taken me all over the country…
I’ve performed on national tours like Mrs. Doubtfire, Hello, Dolly!, and La Cage aux Folles, and at regional theatres including The Old Globe, Goodspeed Opera House, and The MUNY (which has truly been a throughline in my life—I performed there for 15 summers as a kid, teen, and adult!).
Performing has shaped me in every way—but what I didn’t expect was how deeply I would fall in love with mentoring the next generation of performers.
Today, I’m a college audition coach, choreographer, and educator, and the Owner & Director of Aspire. This work is incredibly personal to me. I know firsthand how overwhelming—and exciting—this process can be, and I feel so lucky to guide students and families through such a pivotal chapter.
My Journey
I grew up in St. Louis, where there was always something happening in the theatre. Between regional houses, community programs, and training opportunities, I was constantly surrounded by the arts—and my parents were incredibly supportive of me diving into all of it.
When it came time for college auditions, things looked very different from how they do now. I didn’t have nearly as much guidance as students have access to today, and looking back, I wish I had. But I was fortunate to land at CCM—a program I fell in love with immediately.
Once I got there, I went all in. Late nights in practice rooms, early mornings, constantly working and refining—it was intense, and honestly, I don’t know when I slept. But that time gave me the foundation I still rely on in my career today.
I actually started working professionally the summer before college when I was cast in the Ensemble of Grease at The MUNY and became a member of Actors’ Equity. From there, I continued performing during summers while in school, which gave me an early glimpse into what this career really looks like.
After graduating, I signed with an agent following my senior showcase in NYC and stepped into the whirlwind of auditions, survival jobs, and figuring out life in the city.
And then something unexpected happened—I started teaching.
A friend asked if I could sub a few classes: musical theatre, dance, and a college prep class. I said yes… and that one “yes” completely changed my path. I fell in love with arts education and never looked back. I began teaching, choreographing, building programs, and eventually coaching students through the college audition process.
That same friend later connected me to Aspire—and the rest is history.
Fun fact: the Aspire team actually goes way back. Some of us went to college together, performed together, even were in the same NYC book club when we first moved to the city….and now here we are, building something really special together.
My Time on Tour (and What It Taught Me)
Touring has been one of the greatest adventures and teaching moments in my life.
My first tour, La Cage Aux Folles, was the first time I had experienced being in a long-running show, and what touring was like. I learned how to maintain my well-being while on the road and away from my loved ones. It reaffirmed my passion for travel and my love of the “job”.
My second tour, Hello, Dolly, taught me the importance of maintaining my body and balancing consistency in my performance night after night. It also taught me the importance and gift of community. The friends I made on this tour are some of my nearest and dearest. From trying to figure out how to play Bananagrams on Zoom during the pandemic to attending each other's weddings -- that experience was a testament to how special the friendships you make on shows can be.
Mrs. Doubtfire, my third tour, feels like a culmination of all three experiences. As I already shared, the responsibilities of being dance captain were huge. That role also gave me great insight into how a production comes together night after night on the road! There are so many moving pieces that we, as cast members, don’t always see.
Along with being Dance Captain and in the Ensemble, I also understudied the role of Miranda. Being an understudy is a unique experience. You dive into your understudy track and have to bring yourself to the role all within a framework that has already been built for you. It can also be WILDLY nerve-wracking! Sometimes, you might have a heads-up that you are going on for that role, and other times, it happens unexpectedly and at the last minute. You have to be ready for anything! It has taught me a lot about trusting myself and my preparation!
How This Shapes My Coaching
There’s a phrase that has stuck with me for years:
Take the work seriously—but don’t take yourself too seriously.
That philosophy is at the core of how I coach.
I hold my students to a high standard. I want them to grow, stretch, and show up fully prepared. But I also believe this work has to be rooted in joy. At the end of the day, we’re telling stories and playing pretend—and when that joy is present, the work comes alive.
What I See Students Get Wrong (and How We Fix It)
After over a decade of guiding students through this process, there are a few patterns I see all the time:
1. Not building a well-balanced school list.
This process is competitive—it’s a numbers game. Having a thoughtful, varied list gives you options and sets you up for success.
2. Trying to guess what faculty want.
They want you. The more you chase what you think you “should” do, the further you get from what actually makes you stand out.
3. Playing it safe with supplemental materials.
Those pieces are opportunities to show more of who you are—don’t waste them.
4. Starting too late.
Can it be done? Yes. Should it be done that way? No. Starting early allows for better material, stronger preparation, and a much less stressful experience.
What I Tell Parents
I understand the nerves—this is a big decision.
But theatre students are some of the most adaptable, hardworking, and collaborative people I know. Whether they stay in the arts or pivot into another field, they bring problem-solving skills, confidence, and creativity with them.
I’ve seen it over and over again: these students find their way—and they thrive.
Why Aspire Is Different
Our program is intentionally small—and that’s by design.
We truly get to know every student and family. We’re not pulling material from a generic list—we’re choosing pieces that are right for each individual student.
Our timeline (June through October) is also a huge advantage. It gives students the space to prepare thoroughly without burning out—and to get pre-screens submitted early, which makes a big difference.
And our team? They are the most supportive, invested group of people you will ever meet. We are your biggest cheerleaders, every step of the way.
My Approach to Choosing Material
Yes, we look at voice type, requirements, and contrast—but that’s just the starting point.
The real magic happens when we dig into who a student is—their personality, their experiences, what excites them. That’s where we find material that feels authentic and compelling.
That’s also why I love our initial consults. They give us the insight we need to make really thoughtful, personalized choices—and that makes all the difference.
Why Organization Matters (Yes, I Love a Spreadsheet)
There are a lot of moving pieces in this process.
Staying organized isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
I always come back to two guiding ideas:
Control what you can control
Work smarter, not harder
A strong organizational system allows you to do both. It reduces stress, keeps you on track, and helps you handle the unexpected without feeling overwhelmed.
What I Wish I Knew Then
Your material isn’t just showing your skills—it’s showing you.
If you don’t love it, it’s not the right piece. Go back and find something that excites you.
And don’t fall into the trap of trying to be what you think others want. Your uniqueness is your strength.
If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
First—acknowledge it. This process is overwhelming at times.
But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Having the right team and support system makes all the difference.
And second—trust your preparation. When you’ve done the work and given yourself the time to do it well, you can walk into this process with confidence.
And Just for Fun…
If you really want to know me?
My all-time favorite movie is Jurassic Park. Any mood, any day—it works. I love it so much that I actually walked down the aisle to a version of the theme at my wedding… and yes, our guests absolutely lost it when they realized what it was.
And my ultimate “this is why I love musical theatre” show?
42nd Street. Big dreams, big heart, and tap dancing—it doesn’t get better than that.
How Aspire College Auditions Can Help
At Aspire, we’re dedicated to providing a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to college audition prep. Our live coaching sessions, personalized repertoire selection, and one-on-one support mean that you never have to navigate this process alone.
From the moment you sign up until your child receives their acceptance—and beyond—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want expert advice tailored to your family’s needs, consider joining Aspire. Our unique support system has helped countless families turn audition stress into a confident, streamlined journey.
Ready to lighten your load and to have less stress during college audition season?
📢 Learn more about Aspire and book a free consultation today!
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right team by your side, even the toughest process becomes manageable—and, dare we say, enjoyable.