WHEN David Crosgill entered the EXED Community College 13 years ago, he had his mind set on a career in the tourism industry. It was not long before he had a change of heart.

“It just wasn’t for me. I switched to the performing arts and did drama,” the 29- year-old told the Jamaica Observer.

Last week, Crosgill was nominated for an Actor Boy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his role as area don Shotty Mark in the Patrick Brown/Trevor Nairne play, Saving Alligator High.

“That means a lot. I’ve been doing theatre a long time and it’s good to be recognised,” he said.

Crosgill made his stage debut in the 2006 play Hot Pepper Sauce, written and directed by Kenny Salmon. This was followed by Through The Fire and I Take This Man, both written by Pablo Hoilett, as well as a number of “small productions”.

Saving Alligator High is his big break.

The comedy is about an innercity school beset by economic and social problems.

Crosgill taught drama for one year at Innswood High School. He identifies with teachers in Jamaica’s challenged education sector.

“It (education) needs a lot of fixing; some of the things you see on stage is reality. Like parent abuse and teachers reluctant to go to certain classes,” he said.

Crosgill is from Spanish Town and attended Spanish Town High School. He went on to EXED where his brush with a career in the hospitality industry lasted one term. His switch to drama did not impress his parents, but he said working in productions like Saving Alligator High, has made it worthwhile.

“It’s the first play I’ve been in that has gone 70 performances. Up to 250 people see us a night, which speaks for itself,” said Crosgill.

Saving Alligator High, which has earned 12 Actor Boy Awards nominations, continues today at Centrestage Theatre in Kingston at 5:00 am and 8:00 pm.

— Howard Campbell