Check Out Tova Petty’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tova Petty.

Hi Tova, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I would say the bulk of my story starts when I was a freshman in college at Pasadena City College where I started pursuing my degree in theatre. I had just signed with my first ever talent manager and life felt like it was looking up when it came to my career. As I went through the motions of college and auditions, I had been hit with one of my biggest dreams since I was in fourth grade, and that was transferring to my dream college, UC San Diego. By that time, I had my manager, a commercial talent agent, and was about to sign with a talent theatrical agent as well during my move. My time in San Diego took a lot of adjustments. Being away from home for the first time, away from friends, family, and my partner was a big toll on me in not having physical support. But luckily, I was able to build a great community in San Diego while managing my time to travel back and forth from San Diego to LA for auditions and visits to my loved ones. After graduating and staying an extra year in San Diego to feel out the job market, I realized that with a heavy heart, I had to move back to LA. In a way, it felt like taking a step back rather than a step forward. But, little did I know, it would be the best decision of my life. Coming back to LA made participating in films made it so much easier. I took on behind the camera work on top of acting. I started gaining so much experience being a PA, Producer, AD, Production Coordinator, and Script Supervisor. Being able to experience these roles and connect with so many amazing people helped me realize that it is important to follow your gut and move to where you feel valued. After so many amazing experiences, I landed one of the best jobs I could ever ask for at NIKE studios as a 2nd Assistant Director. I also still act and recently had the opportunity to work on a project with a star-studded cast as well as a recurring host role on an educational series helping young girls learn how to code and love science. I couldn’t have dreamed for anything better.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was twisted and windy for sure. Being in San Diego was what caused the most questions in my head. I tried my best to juggle 2-3 jobs at a time while trying to make it out to LA for auditions, fittings, and being with people for a sense of security and familiarity. With that being said, commuting and gas was a big toll on me financially also paying my own bills and rent. I would take the train when I could but it also costs a decent amount for that amount of travel so often and only offered at certain times of day as well. Some days, I would have to sacrifice a day at work to travel up or sacrifice an acting opportunity for a day at work and it was hard to say no not knowing if I would be guaranteed another gig or a working shift.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As stated, I have done a lot of entertainment industry jobs. I’ve assisted on a photoshoot for music artists, independent films, acted in SAG projects, and produced projects put in my hands by people I love to work with. I mainly try and get my hands on anything within my reach. I always open myself up to new positions. For example, I had joined a production as the production coordinator but they also needed a script supervisor. Therefore, I gained a new skill on top of my existing role and had a great time learning. A separate example was when I joined a different project as a Production Assistant and ended up being given the role of a 2nd AC which was also a learning experience but so much fun! I love tackling new roles and experiences and learning how to adapt to different work environments.

From my day job at NIKE studios, being a 2nd Assistant Director there means that no day is the same which is the best job I could ask for from life! I aid the models all the way through their experience photographing for our seasonal catalog. From getting to hair and make up, to wardrobe, to set, and the cycle continues until end of day. The teams change every day making for a new and exciting day every time.

When it comes to acting, one of my biggest accomplishments comes from becoming a doll as one of my jobs! I partnered up with MGA entertainment during a new mermaid line named MERMAZE MERMAIDZ and was created into a very loved doll named ShellNelle. It was an honor to be her in all stages of the process and definitely loved being with my other mermaid sisters.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love best about my city is the community. There are so many independent businesses and events that happen in Duarte. Sometimes, I enjoy how out of the way Duarte can be from LA proper traffic.

What I like least about the city of Duarte is how scary it can be at night. Not with people, but more so with the amount of animals we have out here, raccoons, bears, deer, possums, and A LOT of coyote packs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/tovapetty
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tova_petty

Image Credits
Photo #1,4,6: Oscar Vernon Jr

Photo #2,3: Ian Starks

Photo #5: Reagan Gomez