Thomas Schumacher, the president of Disney Theatrical Group, has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of September 2025. Schumacher, who has been with the company since 1994, has been an instrumental figure in the transformation of Disney films into highly successful Broadway productions. His tenure at the helm of Disney Theatrical, which began in 1999, has been marked by an unprecedented era of success, including a remarkable 20 Tony Awards and 60 nominations. Under his leadership, Disney has become a dominant force on Broadway, with productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast becoming some of the longest-running and most beloved shows in theater history.
Schumacher’s influence extended beyond just producing some of Broadway’s most iconic shows. His vision for bringing Disney’s stories to life on stage created a new era of family-friendly musicals, blending the magic of Disney with the artistic integrity of Broadway theater. These productions reached global audiences, with Disney Theatrical Group’s 10 Broadway titles collectively captivating over 240 million people worldwide.
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In a statement announcing his departure, Schumacher expressed pride in what the company has accomplished during his tenure, stating that the work of the past three decades was a testament to the creativity and collaboration that define Disney’s theatrical ventures. While stepping down from his leadership role, he expressed confidence in the future of the company, passing the torch to Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, two longtime collaborators who will now take on leadership roles at Disney Theatrical Group.
Flatt and Quart, who have both worked closely with Schumacher for many years, have a deep understanding of Disney’s theatrical endeavors and have played key roles in shaping the company’s success. Schumacher expressed his confidence in their ability to continue Disney Theatrical’s legacy, noting that they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of theater while maintaining the values that have made Disney shows beloved by audiences around the globe.
As the company looks to the future, the transition of leadership marks the end of an era for Disney Theatrical Group, but it also sets the stage for a new chapter in the company’s storied history. Schumacher’s legacy as a transformative figure in the world of theater is secure, and under the leadership of Flatt and Quart, Disney Theatrical Group is poised to continue its tradition of creating innovative and captivating productions that will entertain audiences for generations to come.