MAGGIE BERGMAN
RAFAELA
TORCHIA
HEY
THERE!
I’m Rafaela (she/her), born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. I’m a proud Latina artist who carries my culture with me wherever I go, weaving it into every facet of my life and work.
I recently graduated from Penn State’s BFA Acting program, and let me tell you, those four years in Happy Valley were nothing short of unforgettable! The experiences, the growth, the challenges, and the incredible people I met along the way shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Some of my standout moments at Penn State include playing the daring and complex Mrs. Woolcott in Bonnets: (How Ladies of Good Breeding are Induced to Murder), a role that pushed my boundaries and made me fall even deeper in love with the craft. I also spent a semester abroad in London, where I immersed myself in the rich history of theater and lived out my dream of performing in one of the world’s greatest cultural capitals. But honestly, the most rewarding part of my college journey was watching my class evolve, not just as artists, but as individuals. The growth and camaraderie we shared will always be one of my most cherished memories.
When I’m not immersed in my acting or schoolwork, you can find me living life to the fullest! I’m a fitness enthusiast, always in search of new ways to challenge myself and stay energized. I have a deep love for photography, capturing moments, telling stories through images, and seeing the world through a lens has always been a source of inspiration for me. Oh, and coffee? It’s my lifeblood. I’ll take five cups a day without blinking. But yes, I can down an oat milk latte and immediately fall into a nap, don’t ask me how, I just can.
As an artist, I am deeply passionate about integrating my Latina heritage into everything I create. It’s not just about honoring my roots, it’s about sharing a piece of who I am with the world through my art. For me, being a Latina artist is about bringing authenticity, culture, and excitement to everything I do. I want to make work that not only speaks to my experience but resonates with others who see themselves reflected in it.
