Brave Thing (from Fangirls) (arr. Alice Chance and Zara Stanton): Piano Vocal

Blake's song writing cuts straight to emotional truth without sentimentality, and this arrangement captures that clarity perfectly. The piano part sits at a sweet spot where it supports the vocal line without demanding virtuosity from the accompanist, making it genuinely singable in rehearsal and performance alike.

Bravery here isn't bombastic. Instead, the song traces the quiet internal moment before vulnerability becomes action, with Blake's harmonic language giving shape to that psychological turning point. The accompaniment stays lean and honest, never drowning out the narrative weight of the text.

Solo vocalists preparing for auditions, showcases, or recitals will find a contemporary piece that sits comfortably in the voice while making a strong impression. This also works beautifully for music theatre classes and programs looking to expand beyond traditional Broadway standards.

• Shape the vocal line through the lyrical peaks rather than fighting against the accompaniment texture; the piano's rhythmic stability gives you room to breathe and phrase expressively.
• Let the dynamic arc build gradually across the form. Many singers instinctively push too hard too early; restraint in the first section pays off exponentially later.
• Lock into the harmonic rhythm with your accompanist before performance. Blake's chord changes often sit just off the metric pulse, and clarity here transforms the whole feel from tentative to intentional.

Pair this with other contemporary musical theatre pieces to showcase how modern composers approach character and emotional specificity. It also serves as excellent audition material for students preparing for college musical theatre programs or summer intensives, where demonstrating range beyond revivals strengthens any candidate's portfolio.

• Sustained legit singing in contemporary harmonic language
• Phrasing across irregular melodic contours
• Interpreting music that prioritizes textual delivery over vocal display
• Coordinating with a pianist through syncopated harmonic rhythms