Boston University Metropolitan College

Stage your success in a growing field with a Graduate or Advanced Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development

Develop essential skills to succeed in the fast-paced world of commercial theater with a graduate certificate from a top-ranked university. Study online or on campus, full- or part-time.

Ready to advance your career in commercial performing arts?

Find out how our graduate and advanced graduate certificate programs provide affordable, flexible options. Get news and invitations to upcoming information sessions. Connect with a BU advisor.

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The world of performing arts is evolving, and the demand for highly skilled practitioners is on the rise. To meet this challenge, Boston University Metropolitan College (BU MET), in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, offers graduate certificates in Commercial Theater Development. This collaboration creates exciting new opportunities for students to engage with one of the arts’ most vibrant sectors.

If you aspire to become a leader in the performing arts, Boston University Metropolitan College’s Graduate or Advanced Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development will get you there.

Offered in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment

Programs

Here’s what you need to know:

BU MET has the right commercial theater development program to bring your career to the next level.

MET’s Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate programs are offered in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, one of the world’s leading commercial theater companies. As part of MET’s long-running programs in Arts Administration, these certificate programs are led by accomplished professionals with extensive experience in Broadway. They will guide you through the intricacies of developing and marketing a commercial performing arts property, equipping you with the essential skills to succeed in this dynamic field.

Graduate Certificates in Commercial Theater Development

Graduate Certificate

(16 credits, online, on campus, or both)

The BU MET Commercial Theater Development graduate certificate program offers early and mid-career performing arts professionals a unique opportunity to gain in-depth training in the development and production of commercial performing arts productions.

Classes are taught by distinguished practitioners from New York’s Broadway theater industry right here at Boston University. Enrich your learning experience with site visits to New York City, where you will engage and network with influential figures in the commercial arts world. Even better? You’ll acquire skills in managing commercial arts venues, securing and developing dynamic commercial productions, engaging with cutting-edge technologies, and forging innovative partnerships, all while expertly programming performing arts productions.

The Graduate Certificate program will equip you to:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the history, structure, and institutional behavior of performing arts organizations in the commercial sector.
Demonstrate proficiency with a sophisticated skill set emphasizing best practices with regard to the development of commercial performing arts projects.
Identify, interpret, and apply relevant legal regulations in the management of commercial arts enterprises.
Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and factors affecting the development and touring of performing arts productions internationally.

Advanced Graduate Certificate

(20 credits, online, on campus, or both)

In addition to all the skills gained in the 16-credit program, those in the 20-credit Advanced Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development will have the opportunity to complete an intensive internship with a renowned commercial performing arts enterprise, either in the US or on the international stage.

As a student in this program, you’ll be able to take a strategic approach to your personal development, networking, and self-marketing for professional advancement within the field of commercial performing arts management.

Accelerated Summer Institute Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development

(16 credits, 10-week summer program on campus)

The Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate can now be earned in an accelerated, 10-week summer institute format. In addition to the four courses in the certificate, students will participate in a field trip to New York City to meet with Broadway theater professionals and attend theater performances. The summer institute is open to both domestic US students and to international students. If desired, students can choose from a range of on-campus housing and dining plans.

Hear from past participants about their experiences and what the program taught them about producing.

Program Highlights

BU’s Commercial Theater Development programs are top-notch. Here are a few reasons why:

Flexibility

Study at the pace and place that works for you—evenings on campus, fully online, or in an accelerated summer institute.

24:1 Class Ratio

Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to the support you need to thrive.

Extensive Network

Study alongside peers within the performing arts world; consult and network with national and international companies and nonprofit organizations; and benefit from a global alumni community with strong professional connections.

Active Learning Environment

Benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages collaboration between students from multidisciplinary arts backgrounds and provides access to mentor programs, internships, project management activities, and opportunities to work with world-leading art institutions and practitioners in the field.

Track Record

Learn from the best—founded in 1993, BU MET’s Arts Administration program has produced professional leaders at a host of cultural institutions in Boston, throughout the United States, and the world.

Valuable Resources

Make use of BU’s extensive resources, including the BU Art Galleries, Arts Initiative, Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre, Tsai Performance Center, Wheelock Family Theatre, Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, Mugar Memorial Library, and more.

Engaged, connected faculty

Study with producers, managers, booking agents, and other leading practitioners from New York’s Broadway theater industry. Their expertise in the most current challenges, trends, and best practices enables them to offer rich perspectives and insights that ensure a uniquely hands-on approach to study.

icon 23 HMGBUM 5913 TheaterDev Faculty Inset 1280x670

The Boston University reputation

When you have a degree from Boston University, that means something. Named to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), BU is one of the top research universities in the United States and Canada. And as a graduate, you’ll be able to take that name with you. Always.

A city unlike any other

There’s a reason we’re called Boston University. Hip neighborhoods, soaring skyscrapers, championship sports teams, and rich history and culture. When you’re at BU, you’re at the heart of it all. And because we’re right in Boston, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to consider for your field of study or area of special interest.

Career Outlook

BU MET — For those who want to lead

Earning a graduate certificate in commercial theater development has propelled our graduates to positions far and wide.

Recent graduates have established their careers at:

Handel and Haydn Society
Boch Center
Global Arts Live
Furman University
Next Chapter Podcasts
Community Music Center of Boston
Wheelock Family Theatre
ARCK Boston
New England Conservatory of Music
Duval Dance Academy
TD Garden
George P Johnson Experience Marketing
Shanghai Disney Resort
Kidstock! Creative Theater
Raw Art Works
New Repertory Theatre
Original Force, Ltd
Broadway Education Alliance Inc.
Switching-Time
Holmes Production
Iris Collective
Thames Royal Media
ADK Dance Studio
5 Star Productions
AKA

Potential careers:

Producer
Theater Manager
Production Coordinator
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Managing Director, Business Operations & Partnerships
Operations & Production Manager
Audience Services Manager
Event Coordinator
Account Manager
Production Specialist
Stage Manager
General Manager
Agency Business Administrator
Line Producer

Outlook:

“Employment of producers and directors is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, with demand expected to grow faster than average.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“About 13,900 openings for producers and directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$132,810
Mean annual wage for agents and business managers of artists, May 2023

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate was the most valuable part of the program. To take one project through four courses and fully flesh out every facet from the business model, leadership style, and artistic team to the development pathway, budget, production timeline, pricing, marketing strategies, subsidiary businesses, and alternative markets was the most incredible experience. The exposure to every board, brick, and screw needed to build a house gave me a comprehensive view of the business I wanted to work in. That experience was invaluable.

Evan Alexander LaChance (MET’23)

Business Administrator, AKA

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Stage your success in a growing field with a Graduate or Advanced Graduate Certificate in Commercial Theater Development

Ready to advance your career in commercial performing arts?

Here’s what you need to know:

Graduate Certificate

Advanced Graduate Certificate

Unlock your potential and take the next step in your commercial theater career.

BU’s Commercial Theater Development programs are top-notch. Here are a few reasons why:

Ready to advance your career?

BU MET — For those who want to lead

Recent graduates have established their careers at:

Potential careers:

Outlook:

Want to learn more?

Ready to get started?

Ready to learn more?