For Cindy Putman, the theater has served as proving ground, avenue of expression, and outreach opportunity for nearly five decades. 

“We are all born with unique, God-given gifts that require a nurturing, safe environment to flourish. We all carry our own stories and need a platform to express our inner selves. For me, theatre provided that platform where I could truly be myself,” she stated. “My journey with theatre began with my mother’s bedtime stories, which ignited my imagination and transported me to distant lands. In junior high, a remarkable teacher introduced me to the transformative world of theatre. Suddenly, the words on a page could leap to life, and I could mold those words into characters that allowed me to see the world through different eyes. With its myriad possibilities, the theatre opened countless doors for me, enabling me to perform, direct, establish my own theatre company, and pen my play, Decoration Day.”

Cindy found an identity on the stage that would chart the course for her entire creative and professional life. 

“Theatre became my sports team, where I found my niche and a sense of belonging despite my lack of athletic prowess. It was here that I honed my teamwork and public speaking skills. This sense of community and acceptance fueled my passion to extend this opportunity to others, leading me to my work with Cookeville Children’s Theater, where I first stepped onto the stage in 1975, later directed shows, and currently serve on the board.” She continued, “When I became a teacher, I provided a stage for students in my classroom using creative ways to teach the curriculum. Teaching students from different socio-economic backgrounds enabled me to learn more about the extent of resources students and families cannot access, even in a county as affluent as Putnam County. My heart’s goal became understanding the mindset of families in poverty, middle class, and wealth. When I did the first partnership between a public school system and a local PBS station and became the project manager for a U.S Department Of Education/Corporation Of Public Broadcasting Ready to Learn Grant that served 14 counties of the Upper Cumberland, I turned my Ruby Payne Bridges Out Of Poverty Training into actual boots on the ground. From 2015 to 2022, Ready To Learn collaborated with over 156 local groups and agencies, completed 406 outreach activities, reached over 50,000 children, and trained over 4,000 educators and caregivers across 14 counties. Using evidence-based PBS Kids programs with hands-on activities, and helping PBS refine and craft new programs piloted across Upper Cumberland, WCTE (Cookeville’s PBS affiliate) was able to have a local impact on a national level.” 

Off the stage, Cindy’s immense body of work includes athletics, story-telling, fundraising, and much more. Through a variety of mediums, she has celebrated the people of the UC with talent, compassion, and an intense desire to raise the ceiling of all who call the area home. 

Putman said, “The Upper Cumberland is a unique community to represent—a place based on deep traditions, stories passed down from generation to generation, and our region’s volunteer spirit. First as a volunteer and then as an Educational Associate in 2000, WCTE PBS has allowed me to host on-air events, collaborate on documentaries, and present nationally. My favorite hosting experiences were at High School Blue Cross football and basketball state tournaments, the Putnam County Fair, WCTE’s Great TV Aunction,  and the annual Christmas parade. The opportunity to share my story on WGBH’s (Boston’s primary PBS station) Stories from the Stage was a dream come true.” 

To know Cindy is to have your life enriched. 

She is a bottomless well of energy, ideas, and hope. She sees the best in everyone. From the stage to the quietest of conversations, Cindy lives to advocate, celebrate, and elevate each and every person in her life. 

This short article doesn’t scratch the surface of who Cindy is. So, the next time you see her smiling face on the stage, wait until the curtains close and get to know more about one of Cookeville’s most wonderful people, Cindy Putman.