Do you have an interest in local history?
Have you ever wanted to step back in time?
Do you feel the stage calling your name to perform for an audience?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then trying out for a part in Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals may be right up your alley.
Auditions for this year’s production of Tennessee’s Official Outdoor Drama are coming up, and production staff is looking for individuals to play both speaking and non-speaking roles.
This year the production will have a new director and a new assistant director, but both of the individuals are very familiar with Liberty!
The Friends of Sycamore Shoals group, which mounts the production each year, selected Tony DeVault to serve as the new director. DeVault has appeared in the production many times before and most recently has taken on the role of notable local citizen John Sevier.
“He has lots of experience in theater,” said Jennifer Bauer, the Park Manager for Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.
Stepping into the newly created role of assistant director with be C. Keith Young, who composed the original music featured in the drama’s score and worked alongside his son, Marshall Andrew Young, to mix the original music with period music to create the complete score.
“Those two gentleman together are just going to be dynamic,” Bauer said.
In addition to the new directing team, Bauer said this year’s production will feature a new script. Each year the script received some updates and tweaks, but this year will see some significant changes to the drama, Bauer said.
“This year we have rewritten a great portion of the script,” Bauer said, adding the drama will feature some new perspectives and stories. “Of course the important parts of the history of this place are the same and often be enhanced when we are able to present additionally documented snippets of history.”

Auditions for this year’s production of Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 4, at 5 p.m., inside the Visitor’s Center at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.
“We encourage folks who are interested in the play to come meet our new director and new assistant director,” Bauer said. “People can come and audition and read if they would like to be considered for a speaking role or they can sign up for non-speaking parts.”
“When a person comes to sign up for a speaking or a non-speaking role they will be asked if they want to portray a colonial settler or a Cherokee,” Bauer added. “There will be roles representing both cultures.”
In addition to performing roles, Bauer said the production is also looking for individuals interested in helping perform backstage functions, working with lighting and sound, and with costuming.
“Folks that sew are always welcome,” Bauer said.
Costuming is under the direction of Donna Horowitz, a historical seamstress with more than 30 years of experience.
“We can put them in touch with her if they would like to help,” Bauer said. “We have an extensive inventory of 18th-century clothing — both native and colonial — for people of all ages.”
Whatever the interest in the production, Bauer recommends anyone who would like to help with the drama attend one of the audition sessions so they can meet the directors and others in charge of production.
Performance dates for this year’s production are set for the last three weekends in July —  Thursdays- Saturdays, July 13 – 15, 20 – 22, and 27 – 29; with shows beginning at 7:30 pm.
Bauer said additional information regarding rehearsals and production details will be available at the audition sessions.
Those seeking more information about the production or opportunities to help are invited to contact Park Manager Jennifer Bauer by e-mail at jennifer.bauer@tn.gov or by calling Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area at 423-543-5808.