Though not always due to budget constraints, sometimes it's also a space/venue size issue that causes productions to downsize the orchestra and make changes. Here are a few recommendations for navigating the seemingly impossible task of assigning 19 instrument books to 6 players. 

Along with the stage manager(s), music directors drive the train of a musical from the first note to the button of the exit music. They are an essential and critical fixture in ensuring the cast stays together; the musicians know the tempo, and how to problem solve when things don't go as planned.

What is a piano vocal score and why is it so important? A piano vocal score is a notated piece of sheet music that contains the essential elements and bare bones of a musical.