Change is afoot at Disney Theatrical. According to The New York Times, longtime Disney Theatrical President and Producer Thomas Schumacher will step away from the organization's business operations in a new role as chief creative officer. Those business operations will become the purview of Schumacher's closest deputies, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who are being named executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has been with Disney Theatrical since the beginning, serving as executive vice president to Peter Schneider as president beginning in 1994. He began his work with the group while also serving as president of Walt Disney Feature Animation, becoming the theatrical division's president in 1999 and moving to solely focus on the company's theatrical projects in 2002.
Under his leadership, Disney has brought a number of its films to Broadway, including The Lion King, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, and Frozen. The group has also been involved in producing works that did not originate as Disney films, including Peter and the Starcatcher and Aida.
Aside from his work with Disney, Schumacher is a member of the board of trustees for Broadway Cares, the Tony Awards Administration Committee, and the American Theatre Wing's Advisory Committee. He's also a former chairman of The Broadway League.
The New York Times reports that Disney Theatrical employees were notified of the development September 28, in a memo that goes on to share that Flatt will have the additional title of managing director, overseeing strategy and business operations; while Quart will focus on producing and development, serving as executive producer for all shows.