The Commercial Theater Institute Announces 2018 - 2019 Season

Tom Viertel, Executive Director of Commercial Theater Institute (CTI), has announced the 2018 - 2019 season which will include a 14-week in-depth program that explores producing; a 3-day intensive introduction to producing; and workshops on specialized topics. CTI is the theater industry's leading training and professional development program and features over 100 of the most distinguished industry professionals as lecturers and panelists including many Tony Award- winning producers.

"If Broadway is your passion and you're excited by the idea of making a career on the business side of the Great White Way, CTI may be the gateway to your future," said Mr. Viertel. "CTI's courses are taught by working professionals, including successful Broadway producers, theater owners and executives from the many companies that work together to make Broadway's hits. CTI courses focus on both developing practical skills and the big ideas that shape Broadway theater."

"For over 35 years, the CTI program has shaped a record number of alumni who have gone on to become some of the most influential and successful commercial producers working on Broadway today," said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. "Participants are given unique access to leaders in the industry as well as weekly networking with one another. It's a wonderful opportunity that can help move careers forward."

"It has been exciting to watch CTI grow over the past few years," said Victoria Bailey, TDF's Executive Director. "Tom has enriched both the 3-day and 14-week programs while he continues to grow CTI with new and exciting workshops which serve to expand the knowledge base and skills of both novice and seasoned theatre producers."

For details and schedules of all CTI programs, visit www.commercialtheaterinstitute.com or call 212-586-1109.

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2018-2019 PROGRAMS

The Flop House: An Evening of Networking and Discussion

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

To kick off our CTI season, we're combining two of our most popular features, our networking event and The Flop House. Come and enjoy an hour-and-a-half of networking followed by The Flop House, where a panel of distinguished producers discuss the shows that didn't work, the lessons they learned, and how they were able to move forward to later triumphs.

Marketing Seminar

Thursday, November 29th - Friday, November 30th, 2018

This two-day course explores all the elements of an integrated marketing plan - traditional advertising, marketing and press, digital advertising, and social media. It offers a state-of-the-art understanding of how to sell a Broadway show. One-day and two-day pricing is available.

The 14-Week Program: Advanced Topics for Commercial Producers and Managers

Course begins Monday, February 4th, 2019 (Applications due Monday, December 17th, 2018)

This discussion-based and interactive course introduces cutting-edge developments in commercial theater, provides a well-rounded understanding of the ins-and-outs of producing, and offers indispensable networking opportunities. Admission is limited to 27 participants and participants must be nominated by a member of the professional theater community working in theater management.

The Vocabulary of Producing

Friday, February 8th, 2019

Through this full-day session, we will help define key theatrical terms that are bound to cross your desk. Focusing on terms that regularly crop up in the course of producing and running a show, this session will give you a chance to ask about the words or phrases that have been particular puzzlements to you. Taught by professionals from every walk of theatrical life, this is a chance to blow away the fog of uncertainty and make sure you know what you're talking about.

The 3-Day Intensive

Friday, March 1st - Sunday, March 3rd, 2019

The intensive offers a comprehensive education in commercial theater producing with presentations and panels led by some of Broadway's most acclaimed producers, general managers, creative teams, entertainment attorneys, marketing executives, and press representatives. Sessions examine case histories, budgets, sample agreements, and marketing strategies, illuminating the many aspects of an ever-evolving business. The 3-Day includes evening cocktail events so participants can network with theater professionals, Broadway hit-makers, and fellow early-career producers.

Legal Aspects of Producing (CLE)

Wednesday, March 27th & Thursday, March 28th, 2019

The Entertainment Arts and Sports Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, in collaboration with CTI, will host the annual intensive CLE seminar. This will cover the basics from acquiring rights, investor fundamentals, agreements in the not-for-profit world, and international licensing, as well as specific case studies for examples of successes and challenges.

Small Productions

Friday, May 10th, 2019

Inspired by feedback received from CTI participants, this course will explore how and where to mount a small commercial production, how to find the resources to make tiny budgets go far, and how to find an audience - perfect for producers, writers, and actors looking to kick start their careers.

Investor Relations/How to Pitch

Friday, June 21st, 2019

This one-day seminar will take you through the process of finding investors and co-producers, creating the materials you need to be persuasive, and producing events that will get investors interested. Highly experienced producers will discuss and demonstrate how to become comfortable asking for money, when and how to ask for it, and how to engage with your investors throughout the life of the production.

The O'Neill Summer Program

Wednesday, July 10th - Friday, July 12th, 2019

During this three-day, hands-on program, teams develop plans for a selection of plays and musicals at the O'Neill Summer Conferences. The curriculum and setting provide a unique opportunity to interact with the O'Neill's renowned artistic community and be part of the development process at the O'Neill's beautiful campus on the Connecticut shore. The program will be led by Tom Viertel - CTI Executive Director, O'Neill Board Chair, and Tony Award-winning Broadway Producer - along with an all-star faculty from the New York Theater community. Admission is limited to 20 participants.