Thomas Schumacher’s longtime reign atop the business operations of Disney Theatrical Group saw the division become a major player on Broadway and in the nation’s regional theaters, with such powerhouse productions as The Lion King and Aladdin becoming longrunning and touring stage staples.
Today, Schumacher, 65, announced that he’s leaving his role of DTG’s president and producer after three decades, telling staff this morning that he’ll segue into a purely creative role as the division’s chief creative officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who have long worked closely with Schumacher, will jointly run the DTG as executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has overseen not only Disney’s Broadway offerings such as the longrunning smashes The Lion King and Aladdin but past hits including Beauty and the Beast, along with any number of less enduring productions, such as its most recent, 2018’s Frozen, which did not rise to the level, either critically or commercially, of the division’s better loved productions..
Schumacher also has spearheaded Disney’s touring productions.
Disney insiders tell Deadline that the move and the Flatt-Quart succession has been long in planning. As DTG’s Chief Creative Officer, Schumacher’s title is now identical to Jennifer Lee at Animation and Pete Docter at Pixar.
In Schumacher’s letter to staff, obtained by Deadline, Schumacher writes that, “As an organization we have always embraced change, and it’s in this vein that I’d like to share that, after leading Disney Theatrical Group for the last 30 of my 35 years at Disney, I have made the decision to shift into a solely creative capacity by assuming the new role of DTG’s Chief Creative Officer. This role allows me to focus on the aspect of our work that is closest to my heart. I’ll continue to report to Alan Bergman in this capacity.”
Schumacher also notes that Flatt will serve as EVP, Managing Director, with responsibility for DTG’s core strategy and business operations, including finance and technology, business and legal affairs, HR and DEI, labor relations, marketing, publicity, sales and education, merchandise, domestic touring and international partnerships, as well as general oversight of licensing globally, including long-standing relationships with partners like Feld Entertainment and Music Theatre International.
Quart will serve as EVP, Producing and Development, as well as Executive Producer on current and future shows, overseeing global slate from inception to execution. Schumacher wrote that “Anne’s depth of skill in the complex universe of production process and creative collaboration, combined with her long-nurtured relationships with our network of brilliant artists and creative contributors all over the world, makes her the perfect person to guide how Disney’s cherished stories – both existing and new – will continue to thrill audiences near and far. Additionally, over her 21 years at DTG, Anne’s commitment to the next generation of theatre-makers has run deep – she has spearheaded numerous initiatives geared to diversify the talent working on our shows, on stage and off, and I look forward to seeing the result of these programs over time.”
Schumacher writes that the change-up allows the division an “opportunity to think differently about how we can best support our live entertainment business within the larger company structure. Andrew and Anne will report to Cathleen Taff and continue to partner closely with me. Cathleen is a tremendous leader who has wide-ranging expertise and understanding across the Studio, and I believe that within this new structure, we’ll have even greater support and collaboration with teams around the Studio and the company.”