MS in Arts & Cultural Management, Commercial Theater Development Concentration

Apply Now Request Information

The Master of Science in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Commercial Theater Development at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) prepares performing arts professionals to excel in the commercial theater sector. Offered in partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a member of the Nederlander companies, which own and operate some of the world’s greatest theaters—the Commercial Theater Development concentration delivers in-depth training for those pursuing careers in producing, managing, and presenting commercial Broadway and touring productions.

You will gain advanced knowledge of the history, structure, and business models of commercial theater, alongside practical skills in project development, advertising and marketing strategy, and navigating complex legal and regulatory environments. The program also provides insights into the challenges of planning national and international tours and developing partnerships within the dynamic commercial theater industry.

Combining academic rigor with real-world perspectives, the Commercial Theater Development curriculum builds on the Arts & Cultural Management core courses to emphasize strategic professional growth, networking, and self-marketing essentials for career advancement in commercial theater. Through instruction by leading professionals, students will learn how to manage productions, harness innovative technologies, and engage with emerging industry trends to position themselves at the forefront of this competitive field.

Ideal for early- and mid-career arts professionals, BU MET’s MS in Arts & Cultural Management concentration in Commercial Theater Development equips graduates with the expertise to lead groundbreaking productions and build sustainable careers in commercial performing arts management—whether on Broadway, touring circuits, or global entertainment venues.

Master’s Degree with Commercial Theater Development Concentration Requirements

A total of 36 units is required.

Students must complete the corequisite, core courses, and concentration requirements.

Corequisite

All students are required to complete the following complimentary lab, which can be taken while enrolled in the Arts & Cultural Management program:

• MET AR 110 Laboratory in Professional Practice

Core Courses

(Four courses/16 units)

• MET AR 520 Introduction to the Art World
• MET AR 525 International Arts Practice and Policy
• MET AR 610 Financial Management for Cultural Organizations
• MET AR 615 Legal Issues in Arts and Cultural Management

Concentration Corequisite

All students are required to complete the following complimentary lab prior to beginning the concentration:

• MET AR 100 Self-Paced Laboratory – Commercial Theater Development

Concentration Requirements

(Five courses/20 units)

• MET AR 570 Commercial Theater Production: The Broadway Model
• MET AR 675 Strategies for Performing Arts Businesses
• MET AR 680 Marketing for Commercial Theater and the Performing Arts
• MET AR 685 Global Commercial Theater Producing and Presenting

Plus one capstone requirement chosen from the following:

• MET AR 795 Arts and Cultural Management Practicum
• MET AR 796 Advanced Management and Consulting for Arts and Cultural Organizations