(April 3, 2006, New York, NY) Honoring the legacy of its founder, the late Frederic B. Vogel, The Commercial Theater Institute will once again offer its annual three-day intensive training program, "Producing for the Commercial Theater." This unique program is designed to help foster the next generation of theatre producers. The program is open to anyone interested in producing or co-producing on or Off-Broadway, on the road or investing in commercial productions.

Frederic B. Vogel, who passed away on November 29, created the Commercial Theater Institute in conjunction with The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc. and Theatre Development Fund in 1982. Throughout his career, Vogel trained two generations of American theatre producers and scores of regional theatre managers. He was one of the theatre community’s most respected and knowledgeable management advisors.

CTI was the first workshop ever conducted to train producers for commercial Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring productions. Workshop leaders have included the commercial theatre’s major Producers, General Managers, Theater Owners, Press Agents, Literary Agents, Theatrical Attorneys, and others. Over 50 participants in these programs have gone on to produce successfully on and off Broadway. More than 400 registrants from five different countries participated in last year's workshop.

The three-day program, held April 28-30, will feature top members of the theatrical industry, including producers, general managers, and legal experts as well as theatre marketers.

Workshops include the following:

Legal Aspects for Producing in Commercial Theater, led by Elliot H. Brown, Esq.

Budget Analysis of a Production/The Role of the General Manager, led by Roger Gindi (Jay Johnson: The Two and Only) and Nina Lannan (The Color Purple).

Broadway’s Partnership with Non-for-profit Theatres, led by Marty Bell and Old Globe Theatre, (Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life); Michael David and La Jolla Playhouse (Jersey Boys); Harriet Leve and American Conservatory Theatre (The Good Body – currently on tour); Randall Wreghitt and Atlantic Theater Company (The Lieutenant of Inishmore).

Developing and Producing a Play Off and On Broadway, led by Robert L. Boyett (The History Boys) Broadway; Fred Caruso (I Love You Because) Off-Broadway; Roy Gabay (Barefoot in the Park) Broadway; and Jeffrey Richards (The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial) Broadway.

Marketing for Broadway/Off Broadway in the 21st Century: led by Jed Bernstein, President of The League of American Theaters and Producers, Inc.

Selling the Show: Media, Advertising, Marketing and More, conducted by leading experts from Broadway’s top agencies in a lively presentation of what really sells a show.

Las Vegas, The Road and Other Adventures: A Summary, led by Kevin McCollum, The Producing Office.

Friday’s program will be followed by a wine and cheese reception where participants are encouraged to network with the guest speakers.

The fee for the three-day workshop is priced at $325. For more information or to register for the CTI seminar, visit www.commercialtheaterinstitute.com or contact the CTI office at (212) 586-1109.