Testimonials

  • David Schmitz is one of the most visionary and innovative theatre leaders in our field. An impressive, deft, compassionate, and fearless leader, he possesses the remarkable ability to balance the needs of the artists, board and staff, and the community — all while keeping a keen eye on the bottom line — ensuring robust institutional growth and more opportunities for adventurous artistic risks. David is also a fearless champion and practitioner of equity and diversity, and this is exemplified by his unwavering commitment to creating a vibrant, accessible and inclusive theatre ecosystem which is truly inspiring.

    Chay Yew, Stage Director, Playwright & Producer

  • I had the pleasure of working with David during the inaugural TCG EDI Institute, and then later on a NEA Panel. We had numerous discussions regarding delicate and important issues regarding our field, and I was impressed by the high level of his listening skills. He is a deliberate thinker who carefully assesses all sides of an issue before weighing in. His leadership at the top of two of the most reputable theaters in the country places him in the unique position to amplify the artistic leadership in the American theater.

    Marshall Jones, Associate Dean for Equity, Rutgers University and former Producing Artistic Director of Crossroads Theatre

  • For over twenty years now, I have known David to be an innovative thinker and a thoughtful leader whose expertise and vast knowledge are only matched by his accessibility, generosity, and commitment. The creation of Amplify Leadership Advisors comes at a most ideal time. As cultural organizations work towards a more stable future, David’s impeccable national reputation and decades of recognized success and strategic guidance make him an excellent and highly desirable resource for anyone or any institution.

    Kate Lipuma, Executive Director, Writers Theatre

  • David is one of those rare truly collaborative executives, who is not only insightful, resourceful, and an incredible thinker and problem solver, but someone you want to work with each and every day. In the decade plus I spent working with and for David, I loved tackling challenges together because I knew he'd both push the boundaries surrounding whatever problems we faced, and never settle for the easy-to-reach answer. David is a natural leader who knows how to build consensus in a group and ensure buy-in while also valuing input from every team member while doing so. And you'll be able to laugh a lot together, which is key. My advice? Hire David and Amplify Leadership Advisors right away. I mean it - go get started already!

    Megan Shuchman, Executive Director, 826michigan; 826 National Network

  • David is a highly organized, incisive, and effective advocate. He and I worked closely together in identifying federal support for the theater community during the pandemic, where David demonstrated significant creativity and grace under pressure. He was a key element of developing and enacting a multi-billion dollar program to preserve America’s not for profit, professional theater industry. Plus he’s just great to work with!

    David Skillman, Managing Director, Arnold & Porter

  • David Schmitz has a very deep understanding of the problems of arts organizations: in decision making, leadership problems, relations to the broader community and developing its' own culture. He knows the economic problems of not-for-profit institutions and the difficulty of developing both earned and contributed income.

    Bruce Sagan, Journalist, Long time Board member of Arts Organizations

  • I worked with David when our two theatres (Steppenwolf and La Jolla Playhouse) were selected to join the Wallace Foundation's national program Building Audiences for Sustainability. Over 4 years I got to collaborate with David and experience first-hand his ability to see a path forward and help institutions create their own specific plan to more deeply engage their artists, community, and staff. Working with David made me a better arts leader and the field will benefit greatly from his work to create a vibrant and sustainable arts ecology by 2050.

    Michael Rosenberg, President & CEO, New York City Center

  • David is one of the most experienced, insightful, and strategic thinkers working in the American Theatre. He sees around corners when it comes to planning ahead, he brings people together in a way that feels natural, and he's also a genuine pleasure to work with. I have often benefited from his counsel and been inspired by his work co-leading inclusive, innovative institutions. Most problems feel a bit more solvable—and ambitious goals more achievable—knowing David's just a phone call away.

    Martin Miller, Executive Director/Producer, TheatreSquared

  • I started working with David when I joined the Steppenwolf ensemble. He genuinely cares about the arts and the artistic community. He is creative, collaborative, and a joy to work with.

    Audrey Francis, Ensemble member and Co-Artistic Director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company

  • After 20+ years of private sector marketing in Fortune 500 companies, my first foray into theatre marketing was at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Making a move from the corporate world to nonprofit theatre presented some challenges, but my transition proved to tower over my greatest hopes and wishes. I credit much of my exceptional experience to the leadership of David Schmitz. As Executive Director, David taught me to always keep art making at the center - while welcoming, debating and improving strategies to develop our audiences. David was eager to lead "big & brave" thinking - while also demanding data to inform difficult choices. A humble leader who took responsibility for complicated decisions, unforeseen challenges & fostering a thriving team culture -- I am always hopeful to have the opportunity to work with David again.

    Kara Henry, Former Director of Marketing & Communications at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Marketing Consultant

  • Coming out of the pandemic proved more challenging than we anticipated. We hired Amplify-Leadership for a twofold purpose – Leadership Coaching and Operating Model discovery. David (and his partner Doreen) proved both competent and provocative, and helped our group of board, artists, and staff find our north star. I highly recommend working with Amplify-Leadership.

    Diane Whatton, Board Chair, Lookingglass Theatre Company

  • It is with great appreciation and admiration that I highly recommend the consulting services of David Schmitz of Amplify Leadership Advisors. Our Executive Director had left and we were embarking on a very challenging budgeting process . David’s insight’s and business acumen were immensely advantageous to our Senior Leadership. Admittedly I was very skeptical at first, however within the first couple of meetings I realized how incredibly helpful David was going to be in our procedures. He asked all the right questions, had us make some very difficult but necessary decisions and guided us through the entire process with the utmost professionalism. The materials he prepared and presented were extremely comprehensive, thoughtful and meticulous. Without a doubt, I would hire him again!

    Alana Sansone, Director of Finance & Operations, Geva Theatre

  • David is a colleague whose reputation preceded my meeting him through the Professional Non-Profit Theatre Coalition and his all-in, positive, and magnetic spirit made it clear why. He is a winning combination of ethical, kind, and visionary and his insight into the complex landscape we now face in the theatre industry and how we might strategically navigate facing it in our future operating assumptions has already been an invaluable asset to our brain trust.

    Robert Barry Fleming, Executive Artistic Director, Actors Theatre of Louisville 

  • I had the opportunity to be a Fellow to David for a semester at Steppenwolf while completing my graduate degree at Yale School of Drama. He allowed me the opportunity to fully shadow him and see first hand all that he was navigating as an Executive Director. He provided me with a level of transparency throughout my experience that made it an ideal environment to not just enjoy the thrills of leadership but really understand complicated situations that are also a core part of the job. I got to see him navigate all of these situations with thoughtfulness, rigor, and care. I believe he would bring these qualities along with all his years of experience to anyone who has the opportunity to work with him.

    Dani Barlowe, former Yale Fellow at Steppenwolf Theatre Company & Executive Director of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation

  • David Schmitz is that rare visionary administrator who is both pro-artist and pro-organization. He has the singular ability to look at the goals, challenges and yes, problems, within an institution and make sure that the solutions align with mission, all answers speak to aspiration and that equity, clarity and compassion are centered. He is humane, innovative and kind and the most effective collaborator I have ever had.

    Anna Shapiro, Director, Professor at Northwestern University, Steppenwolf Theatre Company Ensemble member and former Artistic Director