Conversations with Nancy Nave

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Nave.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and acting wasn’t even on my radar. I was focused on volleyball—I had a full scholarship to UTEP, studied mechanical engineering, and later worked for Procter & Gamble and AT&T.

In 2007, while running a business from home and raising my three boys, my husband encouraged me to audition for a reality modeling show, something I knew nothing of. Long story short, I got cast, eventually signed with an agent, and before long I was booking commercials, TV shows, and films across Texas and nearby states—and I completely fell in love with acting.

A few years in, I discovered my Texas agent had been stealing a lot of money from me. It was devastating, but I fought back. I worked with the FBI to explain how the industry operates, and she eventually pled guilty. That experience showed me how unprotected actors can be—and how little we’re taught about the business side of our careers.

I used that moment to launch into the bigger LA market. In 2015, my family and I moved to Los Angeles, where I continued my momentum with new LA agents, booking network TV, SAG films, and commercials.

That’s also why I started The Crafty Actor, my coaching service for actors. I’m passionate about coaching actors to navigate this business—avoiding scams, building real industry relationships, and ultimately becoming working actors. Today, I get to balance both—growing my own career while helping others succeed in theirs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My first eight years working out of Texas were a dream, but they came with their challenges. I quickly fell in love with acting, but living in San Antonio meant driving up to 500 miles one way for auditions in places like New Orleans or Oklahoma City. Taped auditions were still new and not always offered, so if I wanted the opportunities, I had to commit fully. At the same time, I was the main caregiver to our three young sons while my husband worked full-time, which meant I relied heavily on my support system—especially my mom—to make every audition, callback, and shoot. Balancing family life with a growing career wasn’t easy, and I learned early on that being a working actor often means literally “being on the road.”

I was working everyday, but then I discovered my Texas agent was stealing from me—a gut punch that changed the trajectory of my career. That experience pushed me to move to Los Angeles, advocate fiercely for myself, and eventually help other actors do the same. It reinforced a lesson I now share with every actor I coach: treat your acting career like a business, know how this industry works for actors, and learn to protect and market your product…you!

In this industry, a successful acting career is built on smooth stretches, unexpected potholes, and the occasional blind corner. The key is learning which levers you can control—preparing, showing up, and giving your best—while letting go of the rest. Every setback, twist, and surprise is part of the ride; control what you can, roll with what you can’t, and never miss your next audition.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The roles I’ve enjoyed most are getting to work with John Krasinski in The Hollars and Paul Walker in Hours. On those sets, we actually had enough time to have great conversations. I’ve been lucky to work on some great film and TV sets with many respected actors and directors.

I’m always ready for any role. I train constantly—not just because it’s necessary to stay loose, but because I love it. Scene study, character work, acting class—that’s my happy place. There’s no warm-up; I’m ready. Nearly 20 years in this business has taught me that you’ve got to be ready for that role today. Tomorrow is too late.

First, I’m an actor. Second, I’m a coach. The fun part is using what I’ve learned in the field to teach my students, the good and the bad. I can truly empathize with actors and give them real-industry advice. I’ve been blessed to create a business that revolves around helping other actors avoid pitfalls, protect themselves, and actually build solid acting careers.

My husband and I are filmmakers too—we write, direct, and produce comedic shorts, and we’re now in production on our first feature film, Done Deal.

I’ve also learned to focus on what’s next. Rejection happens, but it’s never a signal to quit. Every “no” clears space for the projects meant for you. Producers want actors they can rely on—energy, professionalism, positivity. Disappointment is part of the job, but it makes the wins that much sweeter. That’s why I keep coming back—excited for the next role, the next challenge. There is no finish line, only the next project.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family and friends. My sons will tell you that I’ll drop everything in a heartbeat if they need me. At the end of the day, relationships are everything. In a world that can feel dark or overwhelming, being there for the people I love is what keeps my world bright. Even with a busy schedule, I try to remember that the smallest act of kindness—a call, a text, a helping hand—can completely change someone’s day. Kindness is free, and it costs nothing to make a difference.

In the spare time I do have, I serve as board chair of a nonprofit called Too Many, which helps women access opportunities to reach their full potential. Right now, we’re planning our second annual gala for Safi Life, an organization that supports vulnerable women in Rwanda, helping them attend trade school and gain skills to support themselves and their families. You never know when a small effort might become a turning point in someone else’s life, and that’s a mindset I try to carry with me in everything I do.

Maintaining a healthy balance of caring for my responsibilities, doing good things in this world, and making space for the little joys allows me to live with purpose and stay grounded in both my work and personal life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecraftyactor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenancynave/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NancyTheCraftyActor

Image Credits
Deidhra Fahey Photography

Alyssa Kearney – Nice Headshots

Keli Squires Taylor Photography

Eugene Powers