The Music Director (MD) of a theater show is at the center of the noise - lots of noise.

All at the same time, a MD is:

• Watching the stage;

• Cue'ing singers to make their entrance;

• Cutting off choruses;

• Listening for balance;

• Cue'ing musicians to enter;

• Cutting musicians off;

• Maintaining balance across the orchestra/band;

• Playing their own part;

• Listening for cues to start the next song,

• Listening for cues to finish the vamp;

• Making notes for future shows;

• Wondering if the sub that's playing the keyboard 2 book ever took a lesson;

• Thinking who will play the keyboard 2 book after they fire the sub; and

• Not saying a word.

The MD stays at the center of it all.
She never gets too far ahead.
She stays present, calm, and still.
Waiting for the next cue.