AS THE curtain fell on the Dec. 8, 2017, performance of The Broadway Show Stoppers in Chicago, the young performers buzzed with the excitement of their debut professional performance outside their theatre group. Meeting Music Director Christie Chilies Twillies and working along-side a former American Idol contestant deepened their passion and ignited their creative and artistic spirits. Their local theatre experience led them to this defining moment that left many wanting more.
Their director, Autumn Humerickhouse, an Illinois native, understood. Eighteen years earlier, Humerickhouse, then an 18-year-old high school senior, danced in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The performance, directed by John Jacobson, a world-renowned choreographer, director, and performer, immersed her in the behind-the-scenes work of professional productions.
“That very performance made me realize I didn’t just want to act. I wanted to create; I wanted to direct. It was the moment I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life,” said Humerickhouse.”
Her vision extended to working with theatre performers from 2 to 22 years old. The profound reactions of the younger participants in the parade went beyond mere excitement for a nationally seen performance — they underscored a deeper purpose. For Humerickhouse, it was about ensuring that children and young adults of future generations don’t miss out on the myriad wonders that theatre has to offer.
It was also about building relationships and inclusive spaces where there’s something for everyone despite physical challenges or other issues that might discourage their participation. Despite Humerick-house’s challenged hearing and an autoimmune disorder, she never let anything hold her back from pursuing her dreams. With her Aunt Irene’s insistence that she always follow her dreams, because that is where her greatest success lies, and her personal faith in God, she worked for eight years in Chicago and the Chicago Suburbs area, coaching theatre students and directing performances that enabled them to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
She explained, “It gives children and young adults other ways to communicate with people in the community. It helps include people like me. I’m hard of hearing, so I understand what it feels like to be left out at times. This helps those [who are] not as fortunate have opportunities and a chance to be [included].”
Humerickhouse incorporates American Sign Language into many routines, and her productions include individuals with hearing disabilities, whether on stage as performers or in the audience. These and the other layers of artistic expression teach and stretch the performers in positive ways.
“It’s important to me because it teaches the children and young adults leadership, it helps with speech, and, for some people, [builds] motor skills. I believe it teaches them to include others and not be that bully we always hear about. It [empowers] them to feel they have a voice and can be heard,” Humerickhouse said. “It will also help them believe in themselves — something theatre did for me throughout the years. I feel these are all great characteristics [that contribute to becoming] a well-rounded adult in the society we live in today.”
Her dream work lights the torch carried by new generations devoted to continuing the arts.
“I love knowing I can make a difference in people’s lives. Some of my theatre kids are now grown and starting their own families and want to pass their love of theatre down to their children. It makes me feel good that I have helped a lot of these children find their way in life,” she said.
After moving to Fayetteville a year ago, she shares her passion locally as director of Make Believe Children’s Theatre, a nonprofit organization she founded with her friend, Rebecca Rizzardi. Following a summer workshop, auditions for Sandy’s Story are tentatively set for August. Sandy’s Story traces Sandy’s heartfelt journey to Annie and a forever home. Watch the theatre’s Facebook page for announcements regarding show dates this November.
“My long-term goals are to put on performances that entertain a community and bring people together so that we can bring joy into the lives of others and to teach the next generation the art of performing and keep it alive for generations to come,” she said. “I thank God for every opportunity to make this group possible.”
Humerickhouse always remembers the Macy’s parade experience — it’s the fuel for the fire that lights the torch.
“My passion comes from people’s joy after every performance,” she shared. “I want a show that makes people feel like they want to get up and dance with these kids and be a part of something
so fun and entertaining. The thrill of the excitement after applause is just a feeling you can’t describe. It makes me happy to know we did a job well and put smiles on their faces, even if only for a brief moment. Our hard work and dedication make everything in the theatre world worthwhile.”
As Humerickhouse’s journey in theatre continues, she remains steadfast in her commitment to creating inclusive and enriching spaces for young performers. From her own experiences as a young dancer in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to her transformative work with Make Believe Children’s Theatre, her passion for theatre and dedication to empowering children and young adults, regardless of physical challenges or other obstacles, shines through in every production she directs. Humerickhouse’s vision remains clear: to entertain, inspire, and keep the spirit of theatre alive for generations to come. With each curtain call, she lights the torch of creativity and joy, giving a place and a voice to young performers who are more than arts students — they are her family. GN
