Programs

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Program Highlights

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

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Flexibility
Study at the pace and place that works for you—evenings on campus or fully online.
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Student Support
Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to the support you need to thrive.
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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.
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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.
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Track Record
Learn from the best—founded in 1993, BU MET’s Arts & Cultural Management programs have produced professional leaders at a host of cultural institutions in Boston, throughout the United States, and the world.
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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.
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Practical Capstone Project
Students completing a master’s concentration in the Arts & Cultural Management degree program benefit from completing an intensive capstone project, either the Arts and Cultural Management Practicum (MET AR 795) or Advanced Management and Consulting for Arts and Cultural Organizations (MET AR 796).
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.
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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.
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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.
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BU MET’s graduate programs in Commercial Theater Development will help.

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Career Outlook

BU MET—For those who want to lead

Earning a graduate degree 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 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.”

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“About 12,800 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

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.).

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