Thomas Schumacher, Disney Theatrical’s chief creative officer, is leaving the division later this month after close to 40 years at Disney.
Schumacher helped Disney create its theatrical business, building such hits as The Lion King and Aladdin, which are still running, as well as the stage version of Beauty and the Beast. After occupying a major role on Broadway for decades, Schumacher stepped down as president of Disney Theatrical in 2023, and segued to the role of chief creative officer.
At that time, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart took over leadership of Disney Theatrical Group as executive vice presidents. Quart will continue to oversee creative and production for theatrical productions and Flatt will lead strategy and business operations for our shows, licensing efforts, live immersive events and partnerships including Disney on Ice, according to a memo sent Wednesday from Alan Bergman, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Schumacher will continue to serve as a consultant for Disney Theatrical Group, according to the memo.
Schumacher began his career at Disney Animation as a producer on The Rescuers Down Under and later became president of the animation studio, where he oversaw 20 original films and led Disney Theatrical Group.
In 2002, he turned to solely lead Disney Theatrical Group and ushered in his tenure with the Broadway adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, which was one of the division’s biggest hits, alongside the continuing mega-hit The Lion King and Aladdin. The theatrical division has produced several Broadway titles, which also include Frozen, which did not return to Broadway after the pandemic amid lukewarm reception, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, as well as the cult classic Aida, and the surprise hit Newsies.
In addition to the box office hits, Disney has also had an important presence on Broadway, helping to clean up Times Square and bolster the image of Broadway and New York City as a family-friendly destination. Schumacher has served as the chairman of the board of the Broadway League.
The division’s next major show is The Greatest Showman, which is set to make its world premiere in the U.K. this spring.
“38 years ago when Peter Schneider at Disney Animation asked me to produce The Rescuers Down Under, I had no idea it would lead to four decades working with some of the most exceptional creative artists in the world – both in animation and theatre,” Schumacher said in a statement. “I’m proud that Disney Theatrical will be in the extraordinarily capable hands of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, with whom I’ve worked for over 20 years. I can’t wait to see how they lead this peerless organization forward.”
“It’s the end of an era – after nearly 40 years at Disney, the one and only Thomas Schumacher, who helped build our stage business from the ground up, is transitioning out of his role as Disney Theatrical’s Chief Creative Officer to begin his next chapter. He will continue shaping the face of the global theatrical landscape as a behind-the-scenes force focused on the next generation of artists and audiences,” Bergman said in his memo.
