Who is Adam Thurman - Arts Marketing Coach

Adam is the President of Mission Paradox, a marketing coaching organization devoted to connecting art and audience. He has an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University, plus a law degree and a Master's Degree in Human Resources from the University of Illinois.

He is also the Director of Marketing at Court Theatre, a classical theatre company. As Marketing Director he is responsible for planning and executing the marketing strategy for one of the largest nonprofit theatres in Chicago.

He recently led the theatre to one of the highest grossing productions in the show's 50 year history.

Before joining Court Theatre he was the Executive Director (ED) of the Congo Square Theatre Company.

During his tenure as ED he designed and implemented marketing strategies which led to an over 300% increase in the company's earned revenue.

Mr. Thurman is the author of the E-book, "The Unfair Guide to Building a Powerful Board and the article Three Tips for Making More Money from Your Art, both of which are currently available at by clicking the links below.

He is a former Board Member of the League of Chicago Theatres and has served on the Illinois Arts Council's Advisory Panel.

He has also been featured in Time Out Magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Artist Resources. He has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by Americans For the Arts.

Chicago Cabaret Professionals
University of Chicago - Civic Knowledge Project
Arts and Business Council of Chicago (Speaker)
Joel Hall Dancers and Center
Esse Aficiando Dance
National Association of Fundraising Professionals (Speaker)
Chemically Imbalanced Theatre
Hyde Park Arts Center

Adam really helped me get focused, pointed me to some valuable resources, and generously gave me his time and expert advice. He was honest, thorough, and sincerely interested in helping me.

It all just flowed through like light through a windowpane. I wish there were more people like him

- Shawn Harris

I cannot tell you how wonderful and inspiring your workshop was. It is so refreshing to see someone with such intelligence and business savy with also such great passion for the arts and artists themselves.

- Lori Ecker

[Adam's workshop] was the best thing this organization has presented.

- Bill Dunnam

Adam's workshop was kick ass!

- Pam Peterson

Your considerable expertise added so much to our discussion and really helped to make the event a huge success. We received many positive comments from the participants.

- Andrew Micheli (Arts and Business Council)

I think when you get really good at something, you kind of become a therapist for that thing: gently nudging, but ultimately helping the coachee to discover the actions they need to take on their own terms. This lets organizations get passionate about making their own change happen. And that means: you're really good at what you do.

To all Adam's readers: I highly recommend a sit down with Adam, and hiring him for further marketing and strategy coaching if you both feel your organization could benefit from it.

-Nick Keenan (New Leaf Theatre)

Adam Thurman is a wonderful wealth of knowledge. He spent two afternoons with my young Theater Company to help us hammer out a 5 year plan. He motivated our group to continue to strive for our mission and goals. He helped us redefine our community involvment and direction. The fact that he continues to follow up with us after the events is encouraging and above and beyond the call of duity.

I whole heartly endorse him and his services for any Arts Organization that needs help getting to the next level.

- Angie McMahon (Chemically Imbalanced Theatre)

Adam Thurman brought energy and enthusiasm to our social media workshop. He had an informative yet informal style that led to an engaging conversation. We'd love to have Adam back!

- Crystal Pernell (Hyde Park Arts Center)

My coaching is designed to help artists and artistic organizations find their audience. Here is what I offer:

Free Resources: Check out the Mission Paradox Blog at missionparadox.typepad.com for a ton of free tips on arts marketing, e-books and other resources. A link to the blog is below.

Private Coaching: Have a marketing challenge? Let's work together to solve it. The coaching sessions are informative, engaging and designed to work quickly.

Private coaching packages start at $500 for a month's worth of coaching. You can divide the coaching up into 30 minute or one hour intervals. If you need additional coaching, you can purchase more time in three hour increments.

Discounts are available for those who buy multiple coaching packages.

Group Coaching: Group coaching is an affordable way to tackle marketing challenges with the help of both a coach and your colleagues. Group coaching sessions are available when we have a minimum of five separate organizations interested in the service. These coaching sessions happen one day a week and take place over a six week period.

Group coaching is $750 per participant for the entire six week period. Participants will get 18 hours of total instruction.

One Day Workshops: Need a presentation on marketing that will education and inspire you and your team? Then consider booking an arts marketing workshop

Prices for workshops start at $700 a half day session and will be adjusted based on various factors, i.e. location of the event, number of people at the event, size of the organization requesting the speech, etc.

To learn more about any of these services contact Adam Thurman at mission.paradox@yahoo.com or 773-983-1884.

Email me at mission.paradox@yahoo.com

All emails will be returned within 24 hours