Garfield Hammonds III

Garfield Hammonds is a 1994 graduate of Admiral King High School. During his years at Admiral King, Garfield found his passion and community in the music department. Participating in the choirs and annual musical productions became the highlight of his high school experience. He was active in Student Council, Students Against Drunk Driving, Animation Express (touring jazz and show choir), and Concert Choir. It was through these creative collaborations that Garfield formed lasting friendships and discovered his path forward.

A pivotal influence during his time at Admiral King was his guidance counselor, Mr. Snipes, who recognized Garfield's talent and encouraged him to pursue his interest in the performing arts. Garfield credits this guidance as laying the foundation for what would grow to become a scintillating and exciting career, something he didn't fully realize at the time.

Following high school, Garfield's talent earned him a full-tuition scholarship to Ohio State University's School of Music. He later received the Don King scholarship and another from the Liberace Foundation, which led to his transfer to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master of Music degrees. During his graduate studies, Garfield won the Metropolitan Opera National Council competition in his region, receiving a monetary award and world -class individual coaching. Post-graduate, he further honed his craft at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City.

For over 20 years, Garfield has built an impressive career as a professional actor and performer, working with some of the most highly regarded directors, choreographers, and casting agents in the business. After graduate school, he moved to New York City and became a member of Actors' Equity Association—the union for working professionals in theatre. His extensive performance career includes tour-
ing internationally throughout Russia, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries in South America and Europe.

Garfield's national touring credits include Broadway productions of "Kiss Me Kate," "Motown, the Musical," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," where he had the honor of playing the title role at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He made his off-Broadway debut at the renowned Public Theatre in "The Harder They Come," written by Pulitzer Prize winner Susan Lori Parks and directed by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Sergio Trujillo. His Broadway debut in New York City came with the nine-time Tony Award-winning hit "The Book of Mormon," achieving what is considered the apex of professional theatre.

Beyond his performance career, Garfield is a dedicated teacher and mentor for young and emerging artists who strive for excellence in their pursuit of careers in music and acting. He has been happily married for 13 years and continues to work as a proud Broadway veteran in New York City.

Garfield Hammonds III's Induction Speech