David Schrader

Is there money in theater? Does it matter? How can business skills such as budgeting, accounting and financial planning bring greater freedom to producing? David Schrader will explore the intersection of theater and business in commercial and nonprofit sectors and see if we can answer these and more questions.

David Schrader is the founder and president of Murray & Kean LLC, an entertainment consultantancy. He currently serves as a Board member for Miami New Drama, the Sjogrens Foundation and the 29th Street Neighborhood Association, and previously served as Board Treasurer for BCT Brooklyn Children’s Theater.

After earning a CPA and working in public accounting at Ernst & Young, David built a career as an entertainment industry financial professional including 20 years at The Walt Disney Company. From 2009 to 2016, he served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director for the theatrical production division, leading domestic and international strategy and business development as well as finance, human resources, sales, publicity, marketing, touring, licensing, merchandising and facilities. Prior to that he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and other finance roles. During his time at Disney, the company produced ten Broadway shows as well as touring and international companies, growing from a start-up into one of the world’s largest stage enterprises.

David was a member of the Broadway League from 2012-2017 where he served on the Finance Committee and as a Tony Awards voter from 2013-2016.