Daily Inspiration: Meet Thomas Schultheis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Schultheis.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you for that question! It’s great to share a bit about how I got to where I am today. My journey really began on the stage, which is where I first truly connected with the power of the arts.

From Broadway to Disney: Honing My Craft and Leadership
My performing career kicked off with a bang when I landed a role on Broadway in the revival of Grease!. From there, I toured with other popular productions like Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Chicago, and South Pacific. Beyond performing, I was also actively involved in choreography for over 30 years, working on Off-Broadway shows and numerous high school and college productions. This period was crucial for honing my craft and understanding the collaborative nature of theater.

Around 2008, I transitioned into a new and incredibly impactful chapter, joining The Walt Disney Company for 15 years. My primary role was the Disney Youth Programs Sales Manager for Disney Performing Arts at the Disneyland® Resort. This wasn’t just a sales role; it was an opportunity to innovate and create. I spearheaded the creation of “Disney Performing Arts presents: An Educators Summit: Inspiring Brilliance,” a two-day event that brought educators from around the world together. I also developed the first “Disney Performing Arts Open Enrollment” program for individual students and established the first “Disney Performing Arts Conservatory.” While at Disney, I also pursued higher education, earning my Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from National University, which complemented my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University.

Expanding Impact: Education, Creativity, and Community
Even during my time at Disney, and certainly since, I’ve broadened my impact in education and the arts. I became a Teaching Artist with Disney Imagination Campus, teaching popular programs like “Dance Disney” and “Disney Broadway Magic.” I also joined Dramatic Results® as a Teaching Artist, using art programs to explore STEM subjects with a focus on empathy, resilience, and critical thinking – an approach I’m very passionate about.

My work with the Musical Theatre Competitions of America (MTCA) as part of their Creative Team allowed me to develop innovative workshops like “TikTok Musicals” and “Broadway Remixes the Hits – Jukebox Musical Creation.” I’ve also contributed as a Theatre Consultant for the REACH Grant, a project focused on strengthening arts learning in U.S. schools, and was the first Team Captain for Susan Blackwell & Laura Camien’s The Spark File Select Group Creativity Coaching.

A significant step was founding The Educators Collective, a platform dedicated to helping educators connect, share, and support each other. We even produced The Educators Collective Virtual Summit. Most recently, in 2025, I created a new immersive theatrical high school experience called “EXTRACURRICULAR,” which has already had two successful productions.

A Deep Commitment to Service and Family
Beyond my professional endeavors, service and family are incredibly important to me. I’ve had the privilege to serve on the boards of organizations like the California Educational Theatre Association, Akomi Dance, and the Arts Schools Network. I’m also actively involved with various professional organizations, including the Actors Equity Association and the Educational Theatre Association.

On a deeply personal note, my spouse and I became foster and foster-to-adopt parents. We were honored as Outstanding ISFC Resource Parents for the County of Los Angeles and received the Raise a Child Organization’s Let Love Define Family Award. In August 2023, we adopted our son, Dominic, which has been the most fulfilling experience.

So, as you can see, my journey has been a dynamic blend of performance, education, leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering connection through the arts, all while building a loving family.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a Broadway performer is a highly competitive and demanding endeavor, often characterized by financial instability due to unpredictable periods of unemployment between shows and the high cost of living in cities like New York. It demands immense dedication and sacrifice, frequently requiring individuals to leave their hometowns and miss significant personal milestones while navigating constant travel and rigorous schedules.

Similarly, working in creative roles for a major entertainment company like Disney, while prestigious, can involve unique challenges such as balancing the creative endeavors with practical matters such as budget and time constraints.

Creating original artistic content, whether for the stage or digital platforms, is a journey fraught with unique hurdles. Artists often face resistance to new ideas, needing immense perseverance to push through skepticism and traditional viewpoints. Navigating the intricate landscape of intellectual property and copyright laws is crucial, yet complex, to protect a unique vision.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create engaging learning environments through the arts, specializing in bringing people together for connection and growth. I’m known for developing innovative programs, from workshops to immersive theatrical experiences like “EXTRACURRICULAR,” and empowering educators through initiatives like The Educators Collective. What sets me apart is my unique blend of professional stage experience, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering empathy and resilience through creativity, all driven by a passion for helping individuals find their voice and shine.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved going to Walt Disney World with my family, especially EPCOT. The World Showcase was very impactful on me as it showed me there is a whole world out there. I continue to be fascinated by different cultures and their approach to life. It’s no wonder I work for Disney now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://teachingartistthomas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachingartistthomas/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/teachingartistthomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-schultheis/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EXTRACURRICULAR.EXPERIENCE
• Other: https://extracurricularexperience.wordpress.com/

Image Credits
Spencer Pannill