Robert Crenshaw’s journey with COCA began in third grade, sparked by a visit from Lee Nolting to his elementary school. Ms. Lee immediately recognized Robert’s potential and contacted his mother to offer him a spot in the TIP Program. This program allowed young, promising artists to take classes under scholarship at COCA.
“Just being in all of Ms. Lee’s classes and training with her was such a blessing,” said Crenshaw. “She played a huge impact on my life growing up.”
At COCA, Robert immersed himself in a range of dance styles, from ballet and hip-hop to tap and jazz. He also received vocal training with Dr. Phil Woodmore under the Allegro Vocal Company.
After graduating from CVPA, Robert maintained a strong connection with COCA. He attended the Chicago College of Performing Arts for a year but eventually returned to St. Louis, where he appeared in numerous COCA productions, including Memphis, Uptown, The Wiz, among others.
His performances at COCA opened doors to further opportunities, including working with Ron Himes at The Black Rep. His experiences at COCA snowballed into excellent performance and choreography opportunities in the professional arts space.
“COCA is the foundation of all of my gifts and talents,” Crenshaw shared. “Without COCA, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
COCA offered Robert scholarship opportunities that supported his artistic journey and introduced him to mentors like Ms. Lee, who inspired him and nurtured his development as a young artist.
Just last year, Robert staged a performance at COCA’s Staenberg Performance Lab titled Chasing the Dream, where he showcased his talents as a triple-threat artist. The show played to a packed house, raising funds to help him pursue his performance aspirations in New York City.
Since moving to New York, Robert’s career has taken off—he was cast in Ain’t Too Proud and is now touring nationally with the production.
To young artists, Robert offers this advice: be prepared, stay open-minded, optimistic, humble, and work hard.
“Don’t ever say you can’t, and if you fail, try again,” Crenshaw encouraged.
More Images of Robert at COCA:
