10 Questions with Cindy Sinclair
Where might we have seen you or your work?
Currently, I’m a stage manager for live network television specials and awards shows. I’ve worked on American Idol, the Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, The Beatles: The Night That Changed America, the Glen Campbell “I’ll Be Me” documentary and I produce Ray Stevens CabaRay for public television and the Musicians Hall of Fame Awards. My credits also include the Country Music Association shows including awards, CMA Fest and Country Christmas.
Can you give us a twenty-word description of yourself?
Just one word: Grateful.
Did you grow up in Central Illinois?
Yes, in Petersburg, and then I graduated from Southern Illinois University with majors in music and theater. The PORTA schools had vocal music, band and art classes for elementary students and the high school had wonderful teachers: Tom Hoffman for concert and marching bands; Mary Decker for directing the musicals (I was Nancy in OLIVER); and Rich Ford (Lord Ford) for Madrigals and multiple choirs. I made my first film, The Perils of Polly Pureheart, on my dad’s Super 8 camera and our history teacher, Connie Davis, got a projector from the library and showed it to every one of her classes. I’ll never forget that or all the love and support I felt from my teachers.
How do you split your time between Central Illinois and Nashville?
About half and half. Combining the beauty of small town life and working in a big city works perfectly for me!
What was your first artistic experience?
I performed “Suzy Snowflake” for a community Christmas pageant at 6 years old. I loved wearing the costume and when the audience applauded, I was hooked! My mom, grandmother, and great aunt were wonderful singers and we all sang in the church choir. Miss Virginia Bradley, my piano teacher, lived across the street. My grandmother played the ukulele. My father sang as he rocked his children so I have been blessed with music since I was a babe!
Who are some of the people you look up to?
More than entertainment industry types, I look up to those who are honoring and protecting us: the military, police officers, firemen, teachers, environmentalists, spiritual leaders, veterans, and those who volunteer their time for many worthwhile charities. That said, TV producer Jim Owens was my mentor and I’ve always been inspired by Dolly Parton. Her generosity, professionalism, and of course her talents are beyond compare. She’s a genuine, faithful, caring person and super funny!
What has been your proudest artistic moment?
I was cast as the lead in the Nashville production of EXTREMITIES. The character of Marjorie (Farrah Fawcett in the movie) never leaves the stage, and it is a physically and emotionally demanding role. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to meet the playwright, William Mastrosimone, and we have enjoyed a long professional friendship. A close second would be creating and directing NashCamp, a bluegrass music and songwriting camp that was my joy for 23 years.
What is your latest project?
The “100th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry”, live on NBC from the Opry house in Nashville. It was a fantastic night for country music! As a talent stage manager, I was in charge of the host, Blake Shelton, who is a wonderful human being; kind, extremely funny and professional in every way. My duties were to handle “all things Blake” which includes rehearsals, reviewing and editing script items, escorting him to the stage for his host bits and cuing him when to speak and/or perform.
What advice can you give to those who would like to do what you do?
JUST DO IT. Find your passion. Pay attention to that voice inside that keeps nagging at you. What brings up emotions you can’t ignore? Did something bring you to tears? Make you laugh out loud? Originally, I chose music, thinking it more practical than the theater major I dreamed of. Then I saw the SIU Summer Playhouse production of MAN OF LA MANCHA and it was so powerfully good I thought, “I have to do that”. So, I added the major and enjoyed the life of a working actor for many years.
Why do you do it?
I’ll continue to work in TV because it’s the greatest job ever. And I’ll always play music, sing in a choir, play in a band, or do something connected to the arts. It’s a “must have” to make my heart happy!
