2024 Live Adjudicators

Darnell Thomas

Popular Voice

Darnell Thomas

A Canadian-born with Trinidadian roots, is a passionate and versatile vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, music director, writer, educator, entrepreneur, philanthropist. He holds a master's degree in Vocal Performance & Ethnomusicology from York University. He was the Co-Director of The Institute For The Performing Arts and Cue The Lights Productions. He is currently the Interim Program Coordinator and a full-time Vocal Professor in the Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College. Darnell is a holistic educator who strives to inspire, motivate and teach young aspiring performers of all disciplines to be their best. With his extensive knowledge of performing arts pedagogy and experience, he also engages in mentorship, curriculum and program development at many schools. His voice studio comprises students of all levels ranging from hobbyists to award-winning professionals that can be seen in film/TV shows like American Idol, on the radio or on international theatre stages. Professionally, Darnell has done musical work for hit TV shows like Glee and Disney's "Overruled!". Select music directorial credits include Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Footloose, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Beauty & The Beast, Urinetown, Mamma Mia and Enchanting (an original work). His philanthropical initiatives include several years of work with UNESCO (an arm of The United Nations), The Arts Access Fund and his own foundation, Keys To Dreams Foundation, which provides financial assistance through scholarships to performers. He is also a member of National Association of Teachers of Singing, Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance and ACTRA RACS.