Actress Amy Castle Tells What She Learned at the American National Academy

Amy Castle has learned life lessons from 96-year-old Dorothy Barrett, and she hopes to continue learning. “She has so much to teach, and so much to share,” said Castle, an accomplished actress. But now, Castle is on the campaign trail to try to help Barrett keep her Academy.  She does have half of the school, but she doesn’t have enough to buy out the other half. “She has been acting 80 years and her lessons are as valid now as they are any other time,” Castle said. Castle is trying to help save the American National Academy of Performing Arts which is a non-profit educational institution located in Studio City. It was founded in 1957 on the principal that we all learn from each other in an encouraging and non-competitive environment. The school offers classes for children and adults Tuesdays and Saturdays in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, song interpretation, musical comedy and acting.  See what Castle learned from Barrett. Castle is a Studio City resident who was born in Woodland Hills, started coming to the school at age 4 and went on to land the role of young Ally on the hit TV series Ally McBeal. She appeared on The Norm Show, Providence, Lizzie McGuire, Oliver Beene, Malcolm in the Middle, and Summerland. In 2002, Castle won a Young Artist Award for "Best Performance In A Comedy Series - Guest Starring Young Actress" for her work on Lizzie McGuire and landed a role in General Hospital and Passions. She is also mastering being an Internet star as the original Cuppycake Girl, and as a YouTube Partner under the channel SandCastleInc.. Also see: *  * Studio City Icon Dorothy Barrett is 96 and She Won’t Leave Her Academy * Students and Families Hope to Save the Academy And to help:  * Help by Clicking Here at YouCaring.com