More often than not, the biggest parenting moments begin with something small.

When fashion designer Vania Romoff’s 10-year-old daughter Emilia decided to submit a video audition for the international tour of “Les Misérables,” there was little expectation that it would lead anywhere. It was Emilia’s first audition, and she didn’t even have a stage résumé yet.

What began as a casual recording at home would eventually lead to a life-changing moment: a role as Little Cosette in one of the world’s most well-loved musicals. For Vania, this experience was more than just a proud milestone. It was about stepping back, trusting your child, and letting passion grow in its own time.

Emilia’s voice coach, who regularly shared open casting calls, informed them of the casting call. Emilia had always declined them before. This time, something was different. “She agreed to do the audition on a whim,” Vania tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Maybe because it was just a video submission, so there was no pressure.”

The family didn’t think much of it until they received an email for a callback. After several auditions in front of production representatives, they only heard from them months later with the wonderful news that she had been selected to play Little Cosette.

“We received an email with the subject line: ‘Congratulations.’ Emilia and I just started crying together,” Vania remembers the moment vividly. “Then we called my husband, her voice coach, and our family. Everyone was so happy.”

Emilia’s love for singing began during the pandemic. With schools closed and activities limited, her parents enrolled her in voice lessons simply to give her something creative to do. Soon after, Emilia discovered that she genuinely loved singing. “She started voice lessons when she was about five,” Vania shares. “After a while, she really grew to love it and continued.” Despite her growing interest in music, Emilia had never received formal theater training before Les Misérables.

International theater productions do not allow parents backstage, which meant Emilia had to manage things on her own with the help of assigned chaperones.

“It’s been incredible for her,” Vania says. “It’s also been a great exercise in responsibility.” At just ten years old, Emilia learned to manage rehearsals, performances, and friendships with fellow cast members without her parents by her side.

Even while performing in a major musical, Emilia remained a fourth grader attending school in the daytime. Weekday performances were scheduled at night, which meant her evenings were carefully planned. “She would come home from school, study, get freshened up, and then we would drive her to the theater,” Vania says.

Sometimes, homework was done backstage. The experience demanded discipline, but it also brought immense joy. “She’s grown so much through this,” Vania reflects. “She’s made many friends and says it’s been the experience of a lifetime.”

For Vania, the most meaningful part of this experience was seeing her daughter beaming with pride. “The joy and smile she has when she runs out from backstage to find us,” she says. “She’s so proud of herself, and that’s all that matters.”