Meet the cast of the 2026 season of Unto These Hills outdoor drama: Part 6
Meet the cast of the 2026 season of Unto These Hills outdoor drama. We have a lot of talented folks to introduce you to. Stay tuned to meet the many people it takes to bring the story of the Cherokee people to life each season.
Atticus O’Banner
Atticus is an actor, writer, and vocalist based in Montgomery, Alabama. He is a Communications and Theatre Major at Auburn University at Montgomery. He recently played Epops in Aristophanes’ The BIRDz, which was adapted and directed by Neil David Seibel, at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. This was an invited production for the Region 4 American College Theatre festival. Atticus is honored to be part of the impactful and resonant story of Unto These Hills.
This is Atticus’s first season with us. He plays a soldier and ensemble member. Atticus is a delight to work with, and we’re thrilled to have him!
Oliva Otto
Olivia recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Rizzo in Grease and Anna in Frozen. She’s also a playwright and has written and produced two one act plays, Last Call for Salvation and The Early Bird. Olivia thanks her family, friends, and boyfriend for all of their support.
This is Olivia’s first season with Unto These Hills. She’s a dancer, combatant, and ensemble member. It has been a joy to have Olivia on the team this season!
Ben Patterson
Ben Patterson recently graduated from Western Illinois University with an MFA in Acting. He received is BA in Theatre from East Tennessee State University. Ben is a certified Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. He thanks his family, friends, mentors, and colleagues for their continued support.
This is Ben’s fifth season with Unto These Hills. He started with us in 2021 playing the role of Senator Webster. He’s been playing William Holland Thomas since 2022. He also serves as our Associate Fight Director, meaning he assists with the fight choreography in the show, and Fight Captain, which means he makes sure the fights happen safely every night. He also plays and sings with the pre-show band. Ben is an asset to the team, and it’s been a joy to watch him grow over the years.
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers is a singer, actor, and dancer with a BA in Theatre Performance from the University of South Florida. Her favorite roles include singing on Virgin Voyages Cruise Line, Anita in West Side Story, and Daniela in In the Heights! Eliette feels blessed to be part of Unto These Hills and sends her love to her family and friends for their support.
Eliette first joined the cast of Unto These Hills in 2021 as a dancer and ensemble member. She worked her way up to Dance Captain, and this year served as our Associate Dance Choreographer for the first time. She also plays Cofaltechequi and has understudied various roles. Eliette is passionate, a hard worker, and a joy to have on the team!
Jay Walker Russell
Jay is from Wetumpka, Alabama and attends Auburn University at Montgomery. He earned for Irene Ryan nominations for his roles in The BIRDz and Red. Other favorite credits include Nigel in Something Rotten! and Father Flynn in Doubt, both at The Wetumpka Depot, Casey/Georgia McBride in The Legend of Georgia McBride at The Cloverdale Playhouse, and De Tocqueville: The Call to Philanthropy, a one-man show presented at Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
This is Jay’s first season with Unto These Hills. He plays Lewis Cass, Elijah, and the Sergeant. We’re happy he joined us this year, and we enjoy watching his hard work onstage.
Tamara Sampson
Tamara Sampson has worked with Unto These Hills since 2005. She’s also an Early Childhood Teacher’s Assistant at New Kituwah Academy, which is the Cherokee language immersion school. Tamara enjoys teaching Cherokee language and culture to those who seek to learn.
Tamara is one of our longest-running cast members. She currently plays Nukwadeye, Yonaguska’s wife. Her vocal talents are showcased throughout the show, most notably as she leads “Amazing Grace”, sung in the Cherokee language. Tamara is an asset to the team, and we’re glad she keeps coming back season after season!
Cayden Smaka
Cayden is currently a student at Northern Michigan University, where he is studying for his BFA in Acting. He made his professional theatre debut this season with Unto These Hills, but his favorite college theatre credits include Franklin Hart in 9 to 5, Ernst in Cabaret, and Balthasar in Much Ado About Nothing. Cayden is grateful to be spending his summer in Cherokee, growing as a performer and artist, and thanks his family for their continued support.
Cayden is a dancer, soldier, combatant, and ensemble member in Unto These Hills. He’s a hard worker, and we’ve enjoyed getting to know him this season!
Be sure to catch these talented performers onstage in Unto These Hills outdoor drama this season! Unto These Hills runs Mondays through Saturdays through August 22nd. You can find a full schedule and more info here. And stay tuned for the next installment of Meet the Cast, A to Z.