The plan was to get a Ph.D. But while studying ancient rhetoric at The Pennsylvania State University (after completing a triple major in philosophy, political science, and communication studies at the University of Rhode Island), Aria Mia Loberti began doubting her career trajectory. Then she heard of a casting call for the movie adaptation of a book she loved. “I just thought I might enjoy the audition, and when it came time for them to reject me, I wanted to ask if they could see someone like me getting involved in local theater,” the 29-year-old tells me over Zoom, before we get a chance to meet up in person a few days later for Loberti’s photoshoot in New York City.
