Commercial Theater Development Certificate—Accelerated Summer Institute
The Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate program can now be earned in an accelerated, 10-week summer institute format. The accelerated certificate is being offered through an exciting partnership with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, a member of the Nederlander family of companies, which own and/or operate some of the world’s greatest theaters, produce and present premier entertainment, and serve as consultants and talent bookers both for their own facilities and other renowned entertainment venues in the US and abroad.
2025 dates to be announced.
In addition to the four courses in the certificate, students will participate in a weeklong field trip to New York City to meet with Broadway theater professionals and attend theater performances. The four courses are taught sequentially, with each course offered over a two-week period. If desired, students can choose from a range of on-campus housing and dining plans.
The summer institute is open to both domestic US students and to international students. International students are eligible for an F-1 visa to attend the institute and have the option to travel in the US following the institute. The accelerated certificate is open to qualified applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college or university in the United States or abroad.
Students wishing to continue their arts administration studies are eligible to apply for the MS in Arts Administration upon successful completion of the summer institute, and if accepted will be issued a new I-20 document. The 16 credits earned toward the certificate may be applied toward the MS degree requirements.
The Commercial Theater Development certificate program provides early and mid-career performing arts professionals with the opportunity to gain advanced training in the development and production of commercial performing arts productions. Classes are taught at Boston University by leading practitioners from New York’s Broadway theater industry. Students will gain skills in managing commercial arts venues, securing and developing commercial productions, engaging with new technologies and innovative partnerships, and programming performing arts productions. Students enrolled in the certificate have access to all the resources of the department and the University.
Course Requirements
The accelerated certificate consists of four graduate courses for a total of 16 credits, as listed below.
Courses: (Four courses/16 credits)
Summer Institute Costs
The following costs are estimates and will vary depending on housing and dining options. These are offered as a guide and may be subject to change.
| Tuition | $15,280 |
| Student Services Fee | $120 |
| Student Health Insurance | $800 |
| Housing and Dining Options | |
| Option 1: air conditioned single-occupancy room with 19 Plus Dining Plan | $8,853 |
| Option 2: air conditioned single-occupancy apartment style residency without dining plan – equipped with full kitchens | $6,552 |
| Books and Supplies | $300 |
| Incidentals | $570 |
| Total (Housing Option 1) | $25,923 |
| Total (Housing Option 2) | $23,622 |
For more information on summer housing, please see the following links:
- Summer Housing | Boston University Housing
- Housing information, availability and how to apply: How to Apply | Boston University Housing (bu.edu)
- Housing and Dining Rates: Summer Residence & Dining Rates | Boston University Housing (bu.edu)
How To Apply
Applications for the Summer 2024 Commercial Theater Development Graduate Certificate are no longer being accepted. Summer 2025 information to be announced.