Student Highlight: Natalie Grace

You can spot Natalie in ‘1923’, ‘Raymar’, and in the upcoming Blumhouse/Atomic Monster feature, ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’.

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed at The Actor’s Scene, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One alumni that has really caught our attention lately is Natalie Grace. Known for her roles as Hildy in 1923 and Princess in Raymar, PLUS she has exciting news for the coming year, let’s jump right in and hear what she has going on!

Natalie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey with us! Wow, what an incredible journey you’ve already had so far. Let’s start at the beginning, what made you want to become an actor?

I’ve just always known it was what I wanted to do. My first play was Annie when I was 4 years old. I had a 102 degree fever but I threw a fit when they (my parents) tried to make me stay home, so I went on that stage anyway- with my blanket and my pillow pet. I think even at that age I knew if I didn’t act, what was the point (of life)? And then, when I was around 11, my interest in theater turned into a huge obsession with film; wanting a career as an actress and to be taken seriously. My mom put me in classes and it just kind of snowballed from there. Meryl Streep was the first actress that made me realize film is what I wanted to do with my life. She’s so inspiring to me.

That’s incredible that you had such a drive at that young of an age. Even someone with a lot of drive or passion for acting can feel worn down at times. What drives you to stick with acting?

The process of becoming someone so entirely different than yourself. I can feel a mental and physical shift when I truly become the character I’m playing and it’s almost like an out of body experience for me. I’ve never been a very emotional person, I’m very private but acting is also a wonderful way for me to process my own emotions through a different mindset. The mindset of the character.

And you’ve had quite a few impressive characters whose mindsets you’ve had to jump into. Is there a favorite acting moment within them?

My first experience doing my own stunts in Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 was so life changing, honestly. I didn’t know I had the capacity for such a character. I had thought of myself as a very uncoordinated person so to unlock this huge new toolbox was so incredible for my career and it really helped me in projects after that.

Wow, your own stunts? That’s awesome! It goes to show that there is never a dull moment when on set. Is there something that surprised you about working on a set?

The fluidity of everything. I’ll never begin to understand how there can be so many working parts and it runs so efficiently. Every time I’m on a set I have a moment where I just have to stand and really soak it all up because there’s really nothing like it.

It truly is inspiring. Speaking of inspiring, what is some of the greatest advice you have been given?

Just to keep being authentic and not let the outside noise get to me. I never want societal pressures or trends to affect my acting. It’s an art form and we have to protect it from being warped by those things. It’s not about fame or money. If I wanted either of those things I wouldn’t have chosen acting. I think people that go into it with that kind of perspective are gravely disappointed, and rightfully so. The art of acting so much more than that.

That is such great advice! Do you have any advice to give to other young actors just getting started?

Push through any burn out you may feel, because on the opposite end of that is growth you would’ve never been able to reach if you quit halfway. Also it could take you hundreds of auditions before you book anything so the auditioning really is ‘the work’ for the first couple of years.

Yes! What makes you feel confident?

My brain, I love reading and I feel like it’s helped me in so many ways: in presenting myself, marketing, networking, expressing myself in my acting-being able to communicate choices and really brainstorm alongside people. The more you read the more the world opens up for you.

That’s beautiful! Natalie, do you have any acting projects coming up?

April 2026 Lee Cronin’s The Mummy! I’m very excited about it. I absolutely loved working with Lee, and BLUMHOUSE, and Atomic Monster! They have both been such a dream to work with.

Congratulations! WE can’t wait to see it! Aside from the amazing projects you’ve been a part of already, do you have a dream project?

Rapunzel! I’m using this as my way to manifest it! Any Disney princess really, but I truly think I was born to play Rapunzel. Our personalities are very alike and when I was little I would make my family reenact scenes from the movie for hours. (I was always Rapunzel, of course).

We hope that manifests too! Natalie, thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Before you go, is there a resource or tool you'd suggest actors check out?

Here’s a few books I would ABSOLUTELY recommend: Uta Hagen Respect For Acting (honestly anything by her is so worthwhile and will change your perspective in some way.)

I would also recommend any poetry by Mary Oliver. I take a lot of inspiration from nature in my work, and her writing is extremely thought provoking to me.

I would also suggest Journaling or doing an exercise a fellow actor showed me. Everyday, as soon as you wake up, have a Journal and a pen by your bedside and write the very first thoughts that come to your head- even if it’s only “I just woke up and I am so tired” do it for multiple weeks and see if any new ideas spring from it.

Want to keep up with Natalie?

Check her out on:

IMDb

Instagram

Natalie was recently interviewed by Deadline for her role in The Mummy.

You can read the interview HERE.

Student Highlight: Natalie Grace