afterhrs. Unites with Dawn Rao & Partners for Midwest Representation

afterhrs. – a production company known for creative and unexpected approaches to modern storytelling – has signed with Dawn Rao & Partners for exclusive Midwest representation. 

“The Midwest is home to some of the world’s most cherished brands and Dawn’s understanding of the market is unrivalled,” says Thelonious Brooks, afterhrs. co-founder/EP. “She’s a trusted connector and we are beyond thrilled to have her as our guide and partner.”

Dawn Rao & Partners is an elite Chicago-based representation agency with award winning directorial, musical and editorial talent clients. Led by Dawn Rao, whose 20 years of experience compliments a daily dedicated focus on partnering her clients with the top advertising agencies, creatives and producers. The talent she represents has created some of the most revered and iconic advertising in the industry.

“Afterhrs. is one of those rare and special companies that cuts through the noise with a real IT factor that is curated, inspiring and diverse,” Dawn explains. “They know how to create work that is compelling and connects with audiences, including how to authentically speak gen z in a way that few marketers do but all brands covet.”

Rao also notes that while afterhrs. is a fresh voice in the industry, the company was built on longstanding creative relationships with multidisciplinary artists creating advertising and entertainment content. Among them, Danny Sangra, Chelsea Slater, Hala Matar, Camila Cornelsen, Moorhead&Benson, Hans Emanuel (Latin Market), Harry Israelson, Josh Borock, Original Kids and afterhrs. co-founder/director Kai Regan. The company’s recent projects include campaigns for hims, Team USA 2024, Amazon, and Moncler x Salehe Bembury.