Sat: 9:00am - 4:30pm ( Networking Event from 4:30pm - 5:30pm)
Sun: 9:00am - 12:30pm
The Commercial Theater Institute (CTI), in partnership with The Broadway League and TDF (Theatre Development Fund) will host the 2026 3 Day Intensive this fall from October 23 – 25, 2026.
This foundational program consists of seminars and panels led by leading industry professionals, covering essential topics, including the vocabulary of commercial theatre, how to understand a commercial offering and an overview of theatre marketing. This program is designed for early-career and aspiring producers, co-producers, managers, investors and all theater professionals looking to develop their understanding of the commercial theater business and build meaningful industry connections.
In addition to the panels and seminars, the weekend will also include both a networking cocktail event and coffee networking event, allowing participants to connect with fellow attendees.
Early Bird Registration: $600 (ends October 2, 2026)
Regular Registration: $650 (from October 2, 2026)
The CTI 3 Day Intensive is proudly supported by our sponsors The Pekoe Group, The Araca Group, AKA, Situation, Galbraith + Co. and Serino Coyne.
Enrollment Form
Early bird registration: $600 (through October 2, 2026)
Regular registration: $650
We have a limited number of discounted tickets available. If cost is a barrier preventing you from access, please contact info@commercialtheaterinstitute.com for more information.
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(Additional speakers to be added. Agenda and speakers remain subject to change)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026
8:30am – 9:00am Registration/Coffee
9:00am – 9:15am Welcome Remarks
Kristin Caskey, Chair of the Board, The Broadway League
Deeksha Gaur, Executive Director, TDF (Theatre Development Fund)
Jason Laks, President, The Broadway League
Dori Berinstein, Executive Director, CTI
9:15am – 10:00am Why We Produce
David Stone, Producer
10:00am – 11:00am Launching a Commercial Production
Exploring different paths for commercial development and production.
Mark Kaufman, Executive Vice President & Chief Content Officer of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures
Sammy Lopez, Co-Founder, Producer at P3 Productions, Co-Founder of the Industry Standard Group
Rachel Sussman, Producer and Co-Founder of the Business of Broadway
11:00am – 11:30am Break
11:30am – 12:30pm Commercial Theatre Landscape
Tom Kirdahy Producer, President – Tom Kirdahy Productions
Greg Nobile Chief Executive Officer, Seaview
Matthew Rego, CEO, The Araca Group
Christina Selby, Vice President Production and Touring, The Nederlander Producing Company
12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch on your own
1:30pm – 2:45pm Producing: Money, Budgets, Contracts
The role and function of the General Manager, Accountant and Lawyer in the production process.
Jason Baruch, Owner, Sendroff & Baruch, LLP
Mark D’Ambroise Managing Director, CBiz
David Richards, Co-Founder & General Manager, RCI Theatricals, Inc
Jillian Robbins, Principal, Wagner Johnson Productions
2:45pm – 3:45pm Building a Team
A panel of lead producers explain how they identify the right collaborators to form strong producer/creative team partnerships
Aaron Glick Producer
Mara Isaacs, Founder and Executive Artistic Director, Octopus Theatricals
Hal Luftig, Producer, President Hal Luftig Productions
4:00pm – 5:00pm CTI Networking Event
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026
8:30am – 9:00am Coffee
9:00am – 10:00am Investor Relations & Raising Financing
How producers begin to identify, approach and cultivate their relationships with investors and co-producers.
Jamila Ponton Bragg, Producer
Miranda Gohh, Producer & Founder of Theater Producers of Color (TPOC), Bosner Productions
Tony Marion, Producer
Jillian Robbins, Principal Wagner Johnson Productions
10:00am – 11:00am Nuts & Bolts of Profit Participation
Key concepts related to co-producers and investors, including how profit participation works, kickers, financial waterfall, and how co-producers earn returns on their investments.
Steven Chaikelson, Professor, Columbia School of the Arts
11:00am – 11:15am Break
11:15am – 12:15pm Commercial Off-Broadway
Development and producing Commercial Theater Off-Broadway
Robert Ahrens Producer, General Manager, Live Wire Theatricals
Nathan Gehan, General Manager, Founder & CEO, ShowTown Theatricals
12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch on your own
1:15pm – 1:30pm Q & A
1:30pm – 2:30pm Beyond Broadway
Exploring life for shows beyond Broadway; including International, Touring & Licensing.
Temah Higgins Partner, Bond Theatrical
Alicia Parker, Executive Producer
2:30pm – 3:30pm OH, MARY! Deep Dive
The Team behind OH, MARY! takes behind-the-curtain to learn how this beloved show made its way to Broadway.
3:30pm – 4:30pm UNRAVELING PRODUCING
An alternative take on how to produce Broadway Shows.
Kevin McCollum, Producer
4:30pm – 5:30pm Networking Reception
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026
8:30am – 9:00am Coffee
9:00am – 9:45am In Conversation: The Broadway League
The Current and Incoming Chair discuss their careers and The Broadway League.
Kristin Caskey Chair, The Broadway League and Executive Vice President, Content and Creative, ATG Entertainment
Sue Frost, Producer, Junkyard Dog Productions and Incoming Chair, The Broadway League
9:45am – 11am The State of Marketing
The CEO’s of Broadway Marketing Agencies discuss the state of marking, advertising and digital on Broadway
Damian Bazadona, President, Situation
Liz Furze, CEO & Founding Partner AKA
Tom Greenwald, Co-Founder Spotco
Amanda Pekoe, President, The Pekoe Group
11am – 11:45am Marketing To New Audiences
A panel of Marketing experts explain how they employ marketing strategies to grow new audiences.
Deeksha Gaur, Executive Director, TDF (Theatre Development Fund)
Nela Vera, TDF Vice President of Marketing & Communications
11:45am – 12:15am Q & A / Closing Remarks
