  Most galactic nuclei harbor a massive black hole (MBH), whose birth and
evolution are closely linked to those of its host galaxy. The unique conditions
near the MBH: high velocity and density in the steep potential of a massive
singular relativistic object, lead to unusual modes of stellar birth,
evolution, dynamics and death. A complex network of dynamical mechanisms,
operating on multiple timescales, deflect stars to orbits that intercept the
MBH. Such close encounters lead to energetic interactions with observable
signatures and consequences for the evolution of the MBH and its stellar
environment. Galactic nuclei are astrophysical laboratories that test and
challenge our understanding of MBH formation, strong gravity, stellar dynamics,
and stellar physics. I review from a theoretical perspective the wide range of
stellar phenomena that occur near MBHs, focusing on the role of stellar
dynamics near an isolated MBH in a relaxed stellar cusp.
