Hi there, I’m Thomas B. Adams, a Chicago-based writer/producer/actor/DJ and chef. Over 17 years in Chicago, I’ve produced and acted in theatre productions, created memorable bar and restaurant experiences, and curated music collections for venues. I’ve built a reputation as an irreplaceable asset to every institution I work with, backed by a remarkable work ethic and a knack for filling in the gaps when needed. I thrive at the crossroads of art and operations, collaborating across creative and front-of-house teams, training staff, and bringing ideas to life from stage to service. My career spans theatre, hospitality, and digital publication, and I’m always ready for the next challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.

Thomas B. Adams

Hi there, I’m Thomas B. Adams, a Chicago-based writer/producer/actor/DJ and chef. Over 17 years in Chicago, I’ve produced and acted in theatre productions, created memorable bar and restaurant experiences, and curated music collections for venues. I’ve built a reputation as an irreplaceable asset to every institution I work with, backed by a remarkable work ethic and a knack for filling in the gaps when needed. I thrive at the crossroads of art and operations, collaborating across creative and front-of-house teams, training staff, and bringing ideas to life from stage to service. My career spans theatre, hospitality, and digital publication, and I’m always ready for the next challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.

Available to hire

Hi there, I’m Thomas B. Adams, a Chicago-based writer/producer/actor/DJ and chef. Over 17 years in Chicago, I’ve produced and acted in theatre productions, created memorable bar and restaurant experiences, and curated music collections for venues. I’ve built a reputation as an irreplaceable asset to every institution I work with, backed by a remarkable work ethic and a knack for filling in the gaps when needed.

I thrive at the crossroads of art and operations, collaborating across creative and front-of-house teams, training staff, and bringing ideas to life from stage to service. My career spans theatre, hospitality, and digital publication, and I’m always ready for the next challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Training Center Manager / Writer / Actor at The Second City Training Center
June 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
Managed operations and programming for the training center, coached and wrote for student productions, and performed in acting and writing roles as part of a multi-year program. Instructors included notable faculty, and I contributed to curriculum and outreach during Summer 2007–2011.
Box Office Sales/Student/Lighting Tech. at The Annoyance Theater
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Handled front-of-house operations, box office sales, student coordination, and lighting tech responsibilities for performances, supporting the theater’s productions and patrons from 2011 to 2013.
G.M./Bar Manager/Bartender/F.O.H. Supervisor at LOKaL
October 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
General management, bar operations, inventory control, and front-of-house supervision for a popular Wicker Park/pan-European restaurant; collaborated with executive chef on menus and service flow.
Merchant Support/Customer Support/WFH Rep. at Groupon, Inc.
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Joined as part of UI and Merchant Support teams, then focused on Customer Support and Merchant Troubleshooting across Groupon Goods and local commerce services; helped scale support capabilities.
Bartender/F.O.H. Trainer/Server/Curator Of Record Buying & DJ at Farm Bar Lakeview
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Bartending, front-of-house training, staff education, and DJ/curation duties; led service redesign and menu education, earning early recognition for the bar.
Supervisor/Bartender/DJ/Security at The V.H.O. (The Veterans Heritage Organization)
October 1, 2018 - March 1, 2020
Supervised operations, bartending, DJing, and security at a private, members-only venue; ran late-night operations during the COVID-19 period and community outreach.
Prep Cook/Quality Assurance at Paulie Gee’s (Logan Square)
November 2, 2020 - Present
Prep cook focusing on Detroit/NY/Napoli style pizzas; contributed to recipe quality and menu experimentation; side project selling a smoked glaze via social channels.
Staff Writer / Owner/Editor-in-Chief at Sports Riot
March 1, 2022 - Present
Wrote and edited sports satire content for an online publication with a growing audience; managed social media presence and editorial direction.
Box Office Sales / Student / Lighting Tech at The Annoyance Theater
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Handled box office operations, participated as a student performer, and assisted with lighting for productions at this theater located on Belmont & Clark St. (Formerly 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago).
GM / Bar Manager / Bartender / F.O.H. Supervisor at LOKaL
October 1, 2009 - December 31, 2011
Helped open and run a pan-European restaurant in Wicker Park; oversaw inventory and front-of-house operations; collaborated with Executive Chef on a weekly 5-course prix fixe tasting menu and managed two seatings per service.
Merchant Support / Customer Support / WFH Rep. at Groupon, Inc.
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015
Initially worked in User Interface with Dev and Merchant Support teams, then moved to Customer Support; handled day-to-day troubleshooting across Groupon Goods and local commerce; later focused on Merchant/CS troubleshooting.
Bartender / F.O.H. Trainer / Server / Curator Of Record Buying & DJ at Farm Bar Lakeview
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Joined as bartender and front-of-house trainer, helped redesign service standards and staff education; oversaw beverage program evolution and DJ duties; awarded as a top employee in recognition of performance; spun records when time allowed.
Supervisor / Bartender / DJ / Security at The V.H.O. (The Veterans Heritage Organization)
October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2020
Supervised a private, members-only bar catering primarily to veterans and service-industry clients; managed bar operations, DJ sets, and security.
Prep Cook / Quality Assurance at Paulie Gee's (Logan Square)
November 2, 2020 - Present
Prep cook maintaining Detroit/N.Y./Napoli-inspired pizzas; ongoing menu experimentation and collaboration with Chicago eateries; runs side project Uncle T's Sauce sold via Instagram.
Staff Writer / Owner / Editor-in-Chief at Sports Riot
March 1, 2022 - Present
Lead the online sports satire site; manage editorial direction and audience growth; responsible for content strategy and leadership of the team.
Box Office Sales / Student / Lighting Technician at The Annoyance Theater
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Box office operations, student support, and lighting technician responsibilities within a theatre company.
Bartender / FOH Trainer / Server / DJ at Farm Bar Lakeview
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Bartender and FOH staff training; redesigned service standards and guest experience; DJ and lead in-house entertainment.
Supervisor / Bartender / DJ / Security at The V.H.O. (Veterans Heritage Organization)
October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2020
Managed private, members-only bar operations; supervised staff, DJ duties, and security.
Prep Cook / Quality Assurance at Paulie Gee’s (Logan Square)
November 2, 2020 - Present
Prep cook and QA for Detroit, New York, and Napoli style pizzas; collaborated with chefs and staff to maintain quality; experimental menu ideas.
Staff Writer at Sports Riot
March 1, 2022 - Present
Staff writer and Editor-in-Chief for a respected sports satire site; growing audience and content production.

Education

BFA in Theatre Performance at Columbia College Chicago
August 20, 2005 - August 20, 2007
Theater Performance & Playwriting Major. After receiving a paid internship to train and work with the Second City Theater in Chicago, I left Columbia College two years early to begin my theatre performance and voiceover career.
BA in Theatre Performance & Playwriting at Columbia College Chicago
January 1, 2005 - May 1, 2007
Some College at Columbia College Chicago
September 1, 2005 - May 1, 2007
Improv Conservatory at The Second City Training Center
June 1, 2007 - December 31, 2009
BA in Theatre Performance & Playwriting at Columbia College of Chicago
September 1, 2005 - May 1, 2007
Completed Programs: Improvisation Conservatory; Musical Improv Conservatory; Accelerated Writing; Miming; Acting 1 & 2; Staff Internship at The Second City Training Center
June 1, 2007 - December 1, 2009

Qualifications

Reaper
June 20, 2022 - January 20, 2024
Reaper Media is one of the professional DAW software's I use while editing audio for film, music composition, and voiceover projects. This can range from mixing/mastering audio scripts from start to finish, as well as the priority rendering of individual audio files.
Society of American Fight Directors Certification (Actor/Combatant)
January 11, 2030 - January 14, 2026
Society of American Fight Directors – Actor/Combatant Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 2, 2026
Certified Actor/Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (Unarmed, Rapier & Dagger, Broadsword)
January 11, 2030 - February 2, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet