Testimonials
from
the Class of 2010
Click here for a
complete list of our students' 2009-10
acceptances!
I
have to admit: when we were first referred to MTCA I
thought it was a gimmick...I had been out of work for some
time and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make this kind of an
investment. Let face it, if my son wasn’t ready now after
years of voice lesson, then what would a few more lessons
do? Ha, was I wrong! Within 6 months, I couldn’t
believe the improvement in my son’s singing & acting.
It was the best investment I could have ever made.
Ellen Lettrich has a knack of introducing you
to the right coach. After the initial evaluation, Ellen
told us that she felt my son had some vocal problems &
suggested that he work with Matthew Herrick. Matthew pushed
my son to develop healthy singing techniques. Although my
son found it hard to change old habits and at first thought
he didn’t need to make these changes, he was surprised at
the difference in his voice just after a few lessons. He
now sings with a full open voice & has broadened his
range. Matthew’s ability to help retrain my son’s
voice within such a short period of time was outstanding.
For monologues & acting for singing, my
son was paired with Leo Ash Evens. What a perfect
match. We had an instant connection with Leo and
immediately knew that this was the right thing to do. My
son was enthusiastic about every lesson & could not
wait to for the next coaching session. We even drove in a
snow storm so not to miss a session. Leo is extremely
knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, and his method of
teaching is amazing. The way Leo broke down each word in a
song/monologue helped my son change the way he viewed the
piece they were working on. My son developed a mature
understanding of the material. Leo was not only a coach but
a mentor to me & my son. His wisdom is beyond his
years. Not only did Leo discuss with my son what he should
expect to achieve in college, he helped ease my worries as
well....
As a result of MTCA & their phenomenal
coaches, I am proud to say that my son will be attending
the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. I highly
recommend MTCA for anyone who is considering auditioning
for a college musical theater/acting program. Thank
You Ellen, Matthew & Leo!
Karen
McMahon, mother of Bob McMahon
UArts MT
*************************************************************
The MTCA
coaches Janet and Telly worked together with my daughter to
select and master the songs and monologues that showcased
her talent.
The training they provided not only transformed her
audition and acting skills, but gave her the confidence to
excel. Ultimately, she was accepted into one of her
top choice schools. I strongly believe that
MCTA training made this possible is a must for any student
wishing to stand out
Tom
D’Archangelis, father of
Amanda D’Archangelis
BoCo MT
**************************************************
I’m going
to be studying at one of the top Musical Theatre schools in
the nation, spending each and every day doing what I love
and pursuing my dreams. I attribute all of this to my MTCA
coaches and Ellen Lettrich in particular.
Musical theatre auditions are quite a daunting task,
especially when the competition increases every year. The
MTCA team and Ellen Lettrich helped me to survive the
process and be accepted to a dream school. Starting with my
first consult I knew I was in the best hands in the
business. Ellen picked songs for me that fit my voice
perfectly and showed off what I had to offer uniquely. She
helped me learn to embrace my unique qualities and utilize
them to my advantage. Through her coaching I learned to
connect to the music and then communicate that connection
to my audience. With her incomparable skills in vocal
coaching along with her extremely accomplished abilities in
healthy vocal production, she developed not only my
audition, but my vocal technique and acting abilities.
Beyond coaching and lessons, through Ellen and MTCA I had a
support system that knew everything there was to know about
the whole college audition process and could help me
navigate through it.
Ellen Lettrich and the MTCA team have gone above and
beyond. Because of them I have gained self pride,
confidence in my abilities, peace of mind in this hectic
process and a devoted support system. This is hard. What
you are trying to do is difficult and you should use any
advantage available to you, because no doubt your
competitors will be using every advantage available to
them. MTCA is well worth every dollar and I would recommend
it for any young Musical Theatre Artist starting their
journey. MTCA can help shape your future, the way it has
mine. And who knows, maybe I'll see you at CCM in the years
to come!
Erica
Vlahinos
Cincinnati CCM MT
**************************************************
Working
with MTCA has been so helpful and such a pleasure. Thanks
to Ellen, Mark, Rhyn, Natalie and everyone else on the
coaching team, I was able to enter my auditions being more
prepared than I could have imagined. I gained so much
knowledge and confidence from these incredible
professionals. But most importantly, being a part of the
MTCA team means having the greatest support network. No
question or concern is too small. I was able to get through
my senior year without going crazy! Thank you so much MTCA
for everything!
Danielle Nash
Northwestern
Theatre
***********************************************************
MTCA is
amazing!!! Little did our family know when we committed to
being a part of MTCA that we were becoming involved in
something bigger than just preparing for college auditions
- it was like becoming part of a big family.
When we first researched on the MTCA website, we had no
idea who the MTCA coaches were beyond the headshots and
short bios they provided. Of course, everyone was
impressive. What was even more impressive was to meet
these dynamic coaches in person! Ellen, Rhyn, Gil, Mark,
Cara, and Natalie are professionals who not only provided
my daughter Nicole with training for college auditions in
voice, monologue, and dance - they are true role models and
professionals who epitomized the very values necessary to
succeed in life. They were kind, caring, professional,
responsive, and involved. They supported, offered
advice, celebrated successes, answered questions, provided
feedback, and stayed committed 100% through the whole
college process from beginning to end...MTCA is not just a
business, it is an adventure worth taking because the
results far outweigh the investment.
We are thrilled that Nicole received acceptance to and
plans to attend one of her top choices for college, Coastal
Carolina University. Even more reassuring to us is
that, with the guidance of her coaches from MTCA, she is
prepared professionally, has gained confidence in herself
as a performer, and has been exposed to life experiences
that allowed her to grow into the magnificent, talented
adult she is. From the moment I talked with Ellen
Lettrich, I felt as though we were in good hands. I am so
glad we made that phone call- all of our lives have been
enriched by MTCA! Thank you all so much!
Mary
Beth Teebagy, mother of Nicole Teebagy
Coastal Carolina MT
**************************************************
Leo is
awesome! He helped me discover a great deal about myself as
an actress and convey who I am to the auditioners quickly
and effectively...
The
mock auditions were also really useful and accurately
depicted the real college audition experience. I was
nervous for the mock audition. But because I was able
get my anxiety out at the mock audition and knew exactly
what to expect, I was much calmer for the actual college
auditions. I was able to put my nerves aside, show my
auditioners the real me and get accepted to a number of
great MT programs.
Tory
Bentz
UArts MT
**************************************************
MTCA is
great. My monologue coach, Gil, and I clicked right off
that bat. He made me feel comfortable. He also challenged
me to be more open and be a more responsible actor. I don’t
believe I would have gotten into the schools I did without
Gil’s advice. I not only am accepted by Syracuse, but I
also made a truly great friend that will be there for me if
I need any questions answered.
Will
Serri
Syracuse Acting
***********************************************
I don't
know what I would have done without MTCA. Beyond the
excellent monologue and song coaching, I have found that
Ellen, Mark Christine, Leo Ash Evens, and the rest of the
team have become some of my best friends and mentors.
I turned to them when I needed help deciding which
schools to audition for, they were the first people I
called when I got accepted into CMU, and I consider them a
part of my family. In an industry that can be scary
you need all the help you can get, and the team at MTCA are
the best prepared to help you figure it all out.
Mitch
Marois
Carnegie
Mellon MT
**************************************************
MTCA saved me this year. I
went through this whole audition process last year by
myself and came out only accepted to one school for musical
theatre. It all started with a Facebook message I sent to
Ellen basically saying, “Hey I need your help!” With a
quick response, I soon knew I would have an excellent team
backing me up.
I
had joined fairly late in the game with only 2 months to
prepare, but that did not worry the team or me. Mark and
Ellen vocalized me within the week, and we had my songs set
the next week. Mark & Ellen’s thorough guidance and
eagerness to work gets to the core of your songs, letting
your songs take on spectacular energy that will make YOU
shine in the audition room.
I
think my audition results are proof that MTCA’s work is
what auditors are looking for. My material suited me and
accentuated my personality with an exclamation, which got
me accepted to The Boston Conservatory, Pace University,
Emerson and Texas State, three of which I was accepted on
the spot at my audition!
Without
a doubt, MTCA kids will be (and are) some of the most
successful students at their schools. A million thanks and
so much love! MTCA IS THE BOMB!!
Jennifer
“JFo” Foster
Texas State MT
**************************************************
I am
so grateful to have been able to work with Ellen, Charlie,
and Matthew on my song and monologue audition material!
They not only helped me pick pieces that I was excited
about, but helped me tackle every other important aspect of
auditioning. Their knowledge of the whole process was a
great resource throughout the stressful months leading up
to the auditions, and their constant support and advice
helped me so much...I went into my auditions with more
confidence and took each one as a great learning experience
that would help me with the next audition. Most
importantly, I learned that this process is less about
becoming perfect and polished, and more about truly
trusting yourself through your chosen material.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Sarah
Scheiner
Evansville Theatre Performance
**************************************************
To
all you parents out there that have given up hope of
finding the resource you need to help your child get in a
FIERCE musical theatre program, think again! MTCA is
the one stop shopping you need to prepare for the
competitive audition process. Ellen Lettrich
will determine your child's needs, quickly assign
a smokin' coaching team and BAM! your childs strengths
will be showcased and their chances at success
improved. We live in rural Tennessee so don't think
you are too far away to get involved.
Hats off to Ellen, Leo, Matt, Mara and all the mock
coaches. My son Colin was guided by this group on what
to wear, song choices and even the little things like how
to set up your audition book. But most of all MTCA
gave my son a team to cheer with and a group of
like-minded friends that he will have a bond with for the
rest of his life.
Colin is off to the Texas State BFA-MT program which
includes some other MTCA grads where he will train
for success and help shape the future
of this industry. MTCA will help your child find a
place too. Best of luck--- and thank you
Ellen!
Charlotte
Fleming, mother of Colin Bevis
Texas State MT
************************************************
Janet is
an outstanding coach and one of the most remarkable people
I have worked with to date. I learned many things about my
college songs and myself in the time I spent with her...Not
only is she extremely passionate about theatre, she is also
a very caring person who was always there for me throughout
the audition process...She always knew what was best for me
while letting me make my own decisions and supporting
whatever I picked. When it came to my auditions, I felt
prepared and confident. I had my story intact and I was
ready to go. After working with Janet I finally understand
what it is to perform a song. There are so many details and
ideas that are behind each word, none of which I would have
discovered if it weren’t for Janet.
Josh
Skurnik
BoCo MT
*************************************************************
By
joining the Musical Theater College Auditions group I
gained access to my future. Through the team’s extensive
training, friendly atmosphere, and diligent work ethic I
found myself feeling at ease, and extremely well prepared
when time for my auditions presented themselves. The
material presented to me for my audition repertoire was
extremely well picked for who I am as a performer and
person. I felt connected to the pieces and challenged by
the monologues given to me by acting coach Leo Ash Evens,
who I truly feel has helped me break barriers in my
performance abilities as well as my work ethic. My vocal
technique coach Matthew Herrick has helped my voice grow
far beyond what I started with earlier this year and Ellen
Lettrich was truly a guardian angel as she answered every
minute question I had. The team took every step to help
prepare us for what was in store. They guide you along
without making you feel like a child, and treat you like
the adult that you are becoming...Without this team I would
most likely be attending my local community college, but
now I can gladly say that thanks to the MTCA team I was
accepted to several of the top performing arts schools in
the country.
Clint
Boylan
Roosevelt/Chicago
College of the Performing Arts MT
*************************************************************
What to say about the
fabulous Ellen Lettrich and her team of amazing
coaches?! It's hard to express our heartfelt
thanks in just a few sentences. From the very
beginning, we felt that Ellen, Mark, Natalie and Gil had a
vested interest in our daughter and her success. I
couldn't have asked for a more caring and dedicated group
of mentors during the exciting, albeit sometimes
stressful, year of preparing for numerous college
auditions. From selecting the right songs and
monologues, to molding her into a complete "package" at
mock auditions, I can confidently say that our daughter
could not have been better prepared for the real
thing! There is no one better versed in how to
navigate through the audition process than MTCA!!
Thank you for everything!
Jean
Weston, mother of Kathleen Weston
Ohio Northern MT
*************************************************************
We
do not exaggerate when we say that choosing to support our
daughter’s (D) work with MTCA is one of the wisest
parenting decisions we’ve made in recent
memory! From our first contact with MTCA, we
felt reassured. Ellen’s years of experience helping
theatre kids find the right schools and specialized
knowledge of the culture of individual programs helped our
D finalize her college list. Coaches Rhyn McClemore
and Janet Brenner, proved to be not only gifted teachers,
but wonderful, generous people as well. With uncanny skill,
Rhyn quickly identified our D’s strengths as an
actor. She helped her understand the breadth of roles
she might play, and supplied her with material that
perfectly reflected these insights. Their coaching
work enhanced our D’s audition performance
immeasurably. Beyond that, their relationship served
as a nurturing home-base through this demanding process, a
priceless gift. Similarly, drawing from an immense
storehouse of musical knowledge, Janet became an invaluable
and trusted advisor. Unfailingly respectful, she
worked with saintly patience until our D was completely
comfortable with her audition pieces, always ready with
another musical possibility. She offered a clear
point of view while encouraging our D to make her own
choices. In the end, Janet found stunning songs to
showcase our D’s vocal assets and skillfully helped her
decide how best to present them. With Rhyn and Janet in her
corner, our D went into auditions confident and ready.
She’s
thrilled to be attending one of her top-choice programs
next year and knows she couldn’t have done it without the
expert guidance of the whole MTCA
team.
Cathy
Lerner. mother of Hannah Freeman
Cincinnati CCM MT
*************************************************************
I can't
emphasize enough how grateful I am for the things I learned
from my coach, Leo. I truly believe I improved my acting,
not just my monologues, in working with him. He wasn't
interested in getting memorized performances out of me - he
always expected committed, truthful, playful art, and would
not allow me to expect any less. I gained so much insight
from him, not just about acting, but about life and what it
means to be successful on my own terms. Leo was with me
every step of the way, even when all my auditions were over
and his work was technically done. I thank Leo not for
making me the best actress I can possibly be, but for
helping me realize that I have more to learn, endless room
to grow, and an incredible journey ahead of me. I think
he'd be happy to know that I'm ready for the challenge.
Sarah
Cassell
Syracuse MT
*************************************************************
The
individual coaching by Ellen, Mark and Charlie was
invaluable. We especially found the mock audition
process excellent preparation for the real
thing.
From
picking the proper material to preparation to resume,
headshots and clothing - MTCA was there to help with every
last detail. The majority of our coaching was via
video chat about which I was skeptical at first. But
we quickly learned that method was just as effective as the
in-person coaching. For every audition we attended,
we knew our preparation was right on the mark. There
were no worries about whether or not we had the right song,
or if our monologues were appropriate. The results
were spectacular as Jimmy was accepted to both Carnegie
Mellon School of Drama and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
along with several other programs. Thank you, thank
you, thank you for your caring and diligent approach to
unraveling an unbelievably complex
process.
Jennifer
Nicholas, mother of Jimmy Nicholas
Carnegie Mellon Acting
******************************************************
Finding the
MTCA support team was the best thing I could have done! My
coaches Leo (monologue), Janet (song), and Darren (dance)
really were my support team throughout the stressful
college audition process. And they were always there for me
outside of our lessons as well. I would have been lost
without them! Not only did they help me choose excellent
audition pieces and give me great audition tips and advice,
but they also helped me grow as an artist and an
individual. In just a few lessons I saw improvements, but
after a few months I reached incredible breakthroughs! I
have learned how to land triple pirouettes, how to pick up
dance steps faster while still acting the part, and how to
let go and be spontaneous and in the moment...Since working
with MTCA I have gotten into three college theatre programs
and have landed roles in two community theatre productions.
I still work with my coaches whenever possible and they
continue to amaze me. I’m excited to go to college, but I
am going to miss working with my coaches very
much!
Cathryn
Dodge
Muhlenberg Theatre
********************************************
My daughter
Courtney and I were extremely pleased with the level of
professionalism and understanding put forth by Ellen
Lettrich and Adria Vitlar...although she was nervous, she
was a lot more composed and ready for her college auditions
than had she not seen Ellen and Adria. They were
really in tune with her capabilities and chose material
that not only highlighted her skills but showcased her
abilities... I am glad that she has their contact
information because I am sure they will be a very valuable
resource throughout her college career and
beyond.
Trisha
Fekete, mother of Courtney Fekete
Westiminster/Rider MT
************************************************
Training with Leo Ash Evens
at MTCA has offered me so much more than I had ever
bargained for in a coaching experience. While I was,
all thanks to Leo, thoroughly prepared, the training I
had received in the course of just a few
months extended far beyond mastering a few auditions;
5-10 sessions with Leo is like a semester-long musical
theatre class.
The first thing that strikes me about Leo is his undeniable
competence and passion for his craft. Even over Skype
(as most of my lessons are), Leo's eloquence and animation
makes it clear that he is not
only knowledgeable and passionate about musical
theatre, but more importantly, that he loves teaching
it. Furthermore, I felt confident that Leo, as a
performer primarily, was up to date with the latest
developments in the theatre world. Not to mention, as
a successful actor, Leo is a tremendous professional
connection to have.
One of Leo's best qualities is his perfect blend
of personality, productivity, and professionalism.
Leo made sure to provide me with a productive yet
comfortable working environment which is truly an elixir to
success.
Jordan
Schultz
Ithaca Acting/Voice Minor
****************************************
As
a gap year student, I was extremely nervous about going
through the college audition process again. I wanted to
make sure that the second time around I prepared as much as
possible and I couldn't have done that without the MTCA
team...They went above and beyond in so many ways. The
opportunities they provided made me feel so confident and
so excited to go through this crazy process again. I feel
like I've ended up at the school that's a perfect fit for
me and couldn't be happier - and I am so grateful to them.
If you're auditioning for schools, especially the second
time around, USE MTCA! They are the best of the
best.
Morgan
Greene
Ohio
Northern MT
***********************************************************
Leo has the gift of getting
inside his students’ heads and help them discover things
about themselves that even they are unaware of. Being
a real working actor himself, he knows the process in and
out....Not only is Leo supportive, but he is honest.
I find the latter to be one of the most important
qualities in a good acting coach. He will tell you if
you’re great, he will tell you if you’re not and he
will help you get there. My daughter applied to
several top liberal arts colleges in the country that have
strong drama departments. Using her Leo training and
advice, she prepared an audition dvd in virtually one-third
of the time it would have taken her to do so otherwise and
sent the dvd along with her application to her colleges.
A total of 14 in all. She was accepted at 13
schools! She had a hard time picking where to go!
Her application may have been good without Leo.
But with Leo it put her at the
top.
Neda
Clark. mother of Minou Clark
Hamilton College Theatre
*************************************************************
I
can't say enough about MTCA! The relationships my
daughter and I formed with Ellen, our coach Leo and all the
students and parents we met along the way was
invaluable...
I was blown away
after my daughter’s first coaching session (with Leo).
He got right to work with assigning pieces from plays
that would showcase her individuality, range and strength
as a young performer. From contemporary to classical,
Leo demonstrated his theatrical knowledge in a professional
manner and was able to impart the necessary acting skills
to Rachel as she worked on her monologues and songs.
I
was also impressed with the one-on-one attention we
received all along the way. I have no idea how many
students Ellen had on her roster, but I always felt like
Rachel was the only one! Everything Ellen did was in
a timely manner - song choices, music, any questions (night
or day), Ellen was there for us!
MTCA is "Much Ado About
Something!" Don't pass up the opportunity to work
with these fine people and give your child the best
experience ever and a chance to get into the school of
their choice!
Janet
Rosen, mother of Rachel Rosen
Ithaca Acting
*************************************************************
In addition to their
coaching expertise and time spent coaching our daughter,
both Gil and Janet, the acting and singing coaches
respectively, spent invaluable time with us reviewing and
assessing our daughter's progress both via email and phone.
New to the college process- especially the college
audition process for musical theater - we relied heavily on
the advice, suggestions and information offered by Gil,
Janet and Ellen. They were as much coaches for us
parents as they were for our daughter! I cannot say
enough about their dedication, patience and true concern
for the well-being of their students and
parents.
Alison
and Jamie Greenberg,
parents of Lexi Greenberg
Roosevelt/Chicago College of the Performing Arts
MT
*************************************************************
Matthew Herrick is a GENIUS
when it comes to voice! One lesson with him and everyone
could tell a difference! Seriously... people could tell! He
is amazing and is truly gifted!
Leo totally took interviewing skills from scary to fun!! No
joke... look, I can sing, dance, or act... but when it came
to talking... Well, I thought I was a hopeless case! He
made me look at it in a very different perspective, and now
I actually ENJOY talking!! He helped create a more
well-rounded me.
Rhyn McLemore, lastly... but not least... was sooo good
helping me with my monologues! She really got to know me to
figure out what methods works best for me personally! She
brought me into a whole new world of acting! She became
more than a coach to me though.... she became a friend.
Needless
to say... MTCA helped me out sooo much! I have had other
auditions (not just for college) recently... and they were
a BREEZE! I am now fully confident in myself and in my
pieces. I learned so much, that it really is quite
unbelievable! Just do the work, be yourself and let go! !
MTCA- you rock, thank you, and you are all forever in my
heart!
Lauren
DeLeary
Belmont Commercial Voice
*************************************************************
My
daughter had no formal training except for voice lessons
and lots of local theatre. She had no acting training at
all.
Ellen Lettrich and Mark Christine worked with her on song
interpretation. They really took the time to get to know
Shawn and what makes her unique. When they thought she was
holding back, they kept digging until they found
characteristics in her that they could use to her advantage
in song selections. Though Shawn wanted to go see them in
person every chance she could get, she also coached with
them through SKYPE and found that very effective.
Rhyn McLemore was her monologue coach, with the help of Gil
Brady. My daughter, who originally hated monologues, now
loves them and considers acting her strongest suit. Rhyn’s
influence on Shawn has been enormous. Shawn admires her as
an actor and mentor, but also as a friend. Due to the work
they did, Shawn was told at most of her auditions that she
was a really good actress!
Mock auditions were incredibly helpful. The auditionees got
very specific and helpful feedback from all the MTCA
coaches. They also got to meet other MTCA kids that they
saw over and over again at each audition. Shawn met Natalie
Weiss at mocks, and Natalie was kind enough to check in
with Shawn a couple of times since then. The coaches are
just an incredible resource with an abundance of knowledge,
experience and expertise.
Corey
Hickey, mother of Shawn Hickey
Ball State MT
**************************************************
I cannot
say enough positive things about MTCA. Ellen seems to
know every musical theatre song ever written and helped
select songs for my daughter that suited her personality as
well as her voice. Moreover, Ellen's support
never stopped! Throughout the entire process Ellen
was there with a supportive email, phone call or
text, whenever my daughter needed advice or moral support.
She genuinely cares about the students and does what ever
she can to help them get into a top musical theatre college
program. My daughter always felt so
prepared at her auditions (down to what dress and shoes to
wear) and felt a certain pride that she was an MTCA
student. Ellen gave great advice to parents in
helping them help their kids through this arduous process
and is extermely knowldgeable about specific programs as
well as vocal health.
All of the coaches seemed knowledgeable, caring and
supportive and gave great feedback and encouragement. The
mock audition was such a valuable experience as it gave my
daughter positive but constructive feedback as well
as self-confidence. I don't know how we would
have managed this journey without the advice and support of
Ellen Lettrich and MTCA.
Joan
Bester, mother of Molly Fried
NYU Tisch Acting
**************************************************
For a complete
list of testimonials and parent references, please email
us:
info@mtcollegeauditions.com