Resigned to Move, Dorothy Barrett Seeks New Home for National Academy

Dorothy Barrett, sadly, is resigned that she will have to move from the two story gray building on Ventura Boulevard that she has called home for more than half of her 96 years. 

She will have to move by November, and meantime, the staff is trying to find a new home for the National Academy of Performing Arts that has taught children acting, dance and poiset at 10944 Ventura Blvd. since 1957.

“I don’t want to move, I wished we could work something out,” said Barrett, always keeping her rosy optimism. She has had bit parts in classics such as “Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” and has had friends such as Joan Crawford and Jerry Lewis come by the school in the past.

But, they couldn’t raise the $1 million to prevent an auction when the heirs of the Academy co-founder Francis Lederer decided to sell the building. It was sold, and Dorothy has until mid-November to move. The school had a campaign to raise money, but could only muster up a little more than $4,000. (You can still help with moving expenses by clicking: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/save-the-academy-/49979

Cathy Wilkinson, a longtime teacher at the Academy, said she has taken Barrett to a number of senior care facilities and they have found one in Sherman Oaks that she is considering.

“Dorothy has been independent for so long, and this is very hard for her,” said Wilkinson.

Meanwhile, the staff is trying to find another school to relocate their students. A successful restauranteur noted for Asian fusion food and a PBS cooking show is rumored to have bought the building, but is hasn't been confirmed by Studio City Patch.

“Dorothy is doing well health-wise and has a lot of years left in what she can offer as a teacher,” Wilkinson said.