LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- From American Idol to southern Indiana? It seems a Jersey boy with big-time reality roots has planted himself at New Albany High School.
John Zisa wowed judges enough to make it to Hollywood on season four of American Idol. Now he's in the judge's seat as students audition for the theater department at New Albany High School.
"I made it to the top," he says. "There were 20 guys left when I exited the competition. And it provided me a lot of great opportunities for after the show."
He continues, "The 15 minutes was up and it was time to get a real job, so I fell into teaching." Zisa brings five years of teaching experience from his hometown high school in Hackensack, New Jersey, and a master's degree to the table. He will replace longtime director David Longest, who retires at the end of the year.
Zisa says, "I knew that this program was one of the best in the country and if there was anywhere I felt like I could make a mark, it would certainly be here."
Still, the element of change intimidates some students. Student Justin Behr says, "I'm pretty anxious to see what this guy is like -- a little nervous." And Jade Dailey tells WDRB News, "I'm trying to show him my personality and how seriously I take theater and how committed I am."
Zisa says, "The new guy can be tough. I don't want to come in and change what's been done. But I also want to stick with my own style." He says this was more of a showcase than a audition to help him pick productions for next school year. Perhaps he can spot an Idol.
There will also be a new theater teacher at Floyd Central High School next year. Robbie Steiner steps in for Chris Bundy, who is also retiring.
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