Stephanie Baer is a violist who, in addition to serving as director of string studies and orchestras, plus professor of viola and chamber music at NYU Steinhardt, has enjoyed a multi-faceted musical career within the New York community. Notably, Stephanie held the chair of principal viola in the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera for 22 years. Phantom closed on Broadway earlier this year, but Stephanie shares with online editor and cellist Davina Shum on how she got started playing in Broadway shows, as well as how the versatility required in musical theatre bands and orchestras feeds your classical playing. She speaks about the Broadway Orchestra, unique to NYU Steinhardt, which aims to train up students to play in musicals and ready themselves for a freelance career. Also discussed are strategies for keeping things fresh when you’re playing the same show every night!  Read Davina's articles about musical theatre here: Read: Opinion: A case for depping Read: How I completed a 118-show run (without losing my mind) Check out thestrad.com for the latest news, articles and reviews on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad Twitter: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_