Brennan Stylez began his artistic journey before COCA. A student at Edwardsville High School, he was involved in the musical theatre program. At the age of 16, Brennan was cast in Memphis for the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards All-State Show. That experience helped him believe Broadway was a possibility for him.
He joined COCA at 18, where he performed in Ragtime, Bring It On, and The Wiz. After Ms. Lee Nolting recognized his dance ability, Brennan trained with COCAdance and later became the Assistant Artistic Director of Allegro Vocal Company under the direction of Dr. Phil Woodmore.
“COCA is joy. You have teachers who genuinely care about you, and there are people who want to see you succeed. If you love it, there is nothing that can exude other than joy,” said Stylez.
“COCA turned me into a true triple threat with my dance training. I learned so much,” said Stylez. “COCA was the place where I could be myself and live freely…”
After leaving COCA in 2016, Brennan worked professionally as a performer, director, and music supervisor, appearing in off-Broadway productions, Jersey Boys in Las Vegas, Dreamgirls in New York, and more.
In addition to being a triple-threat performer, Brennan is a self-taught pianist and is a KORG (USA) artist. He has served as music director and arranger for Broadway leading man Apollo Levine at Berklee’s Power Station in New York City.
Brennan has recently returned to the St. Louis area to serve as Worship Arts Director at Shalom Church.
“Now is the perfect time to give my body a rest and teach the next generation what it is like to be in those audition rooms and to be in the Broadway circuit and hustling,” says Stylez.
In 2023, Brennan was recognized as a Distinguished Alum at COCA for his successful career and artistic impact. His business, Bstylezmusic Inc., is open and accepting new clients.
Brennan highlights the importance of community in sustaining a career in the arts.
“If one of us wins, we all win. If the people you are connected to are succeeding, you are in the right space,” says Stylez. “People can get focused on competing to get the part and paying your rent, and yes, you need to do those things, but who is your friend?”
When offering advice to students, Brennan recommends knowing your worth, prioritizing your health, and maintaining balance.
“You need to make every day worth living for. If you live a life where all you care about is work, you are going to wake up one day and realize you have not lived,” said Stylez.
