EARLY ERA COLLECTIVE

Programs

1. This February, Early Era Collective celebrates Black History Month with "Say That Again," a dynamic production blending street and contemporary dance, spoken word, and live hip-hop! Join us where movement, rhythm, and words come together to tell bold, unapologetic stories of culture, identity, and community. Co-produced by Stephanie Patrick and Daniel Broxton, this high-energy show builds off of our 2024 hit "Say That!" by diving deeper into hip-hop music, culture, and unity. Featuring a talented cast of 26 local artists, the production concludes with our beloved all-styles community freestyle-an unforgettable participatory experience. The Austin community was invited to come watch - and dance with us! - at the Dougherty Arts Center from February 20-21 and February 27-March 1, 2025, at 8:00p.m. for this unique, transformative production that is as much a celebration as it is a conversation. This project was supported, in part, by the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Artist Access Program.

   $56,180 spent$12,826 earned by the program
   42% of program spending

2. Early Era Collective's "Gently, She Wakes" was staged in October, 2025, at KMFA Studio. It is a journey of reclamation and femininity told through movement. Created by EEC in collaboration with The SAFE Alliance, this evening-length narrative dance piece unfolds through Contemporary and Heels dance, storytelling, and stage combat. Through Artistic Director Stephanie Patrick's vision and choreography, nine multiform dancers twist, turn, and explode through dynamic movement, touching on pain, hope and even humor. Collaborators Lisa de Rosario, Wyntergrace Williams, and Jeffery Da'Shade Johnson deepened our story with eye-catching, heartpumping and intricate choreography. Woven with rich costumes and music spanning multiple genres and decades, Gently, She Wakes is a visual indulgence that questions today's gender norms and social dynamics, answered by empowerment, belonging, and the human spirit. Gently was supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, East Side Performing Arts, and Beverly Bajema.

   $52,277 spent$4,071 earned by the program
   39% of program spending

3. "Embolden Workshop" was a training and workshop designed to help Central Texas performance artists gain the business skills necessary to promote successful arts programs and careers, prevent burnout, and build community. Originally started in 2021 by Early Era Collective with support from Salvage Vanguard Theater and Ground Floor Theatre, the 2025 workshop expanded to a weekend full of professional development, performance opportunities and networking. Events included Matching Talent with Business, a panel and Q&A with some of Austin's most prestigious artists and arts professionals; Thought That Move, a live episode recording of six Austin-based artists discussing how race and art intersect in our city; Embolden Showcase, an open-mic style professional showcase for performers to use professional stage access and receive professional videography and photography; Tuning Your Instrument, a mindful movement class for artists who run their own business; and various networking activities to promote communication and community building.

   $15,072 spent
   11% of program spending

4. Additional programs included live performances at events produced by other sponsors, initial work on future programs, and community events and activities, such as EEC's Freestyle Sessions. Freestyles began in 2024 to unite all Austin dancers across style and level. Each session began with a Fundamentals workshop exploring a specific street style. The class is followed by a cypher, in which dancers solo improvisationally.

   $10,941 spent
   8% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $134,470.