For 19 years Omega Productions has worked on one of the few remaining live broadcast variety shows – the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Awards Show, a live 
musical variety and awards event of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. For the past fourteen years Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen have served as Line and Technical Producers for the event and broadcast, which has continued to grow into one of the premier awards shows in the country. For over 25 years, the black-tie ceremony has been shot and televised statewide by the Oklahoma Network (OETA) (PBS).
This year’s show was held at the Great Hall of the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where eight outstanding Oklahomans were inducted into the 80th class of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The ceremony also included live musical
performances by Oklahoma Ambassador of Good Will and current Miss America, Lauren Nelson , the Oklahoma City University Choir and the Hall of Fame Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Kent Kidwell. These accomplished Oklahomans were selected to join 613 others who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since 1928. “Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor any Oklahoman can receive 
for contributions to and representation of our state,” said Glen D. Johnson, a 2006 inductee and Chairman of the Board of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. Those inducted were Clayton I. Bennett, Oklahoma City; Laverne native Jane Jayroe Gamble , now of Oklahoma City; Clinton native Toby Keith, now of Norman; David Kyle, Tulsa; Hoffman native Clara Luper, now of Oklahoma City; Aubrey K. McClendon, Oklahoma City; Chief Gregory E. Pyle, Durant; and Muskogee native Linda K. Twine, now of New York.
Michael C. Turpen and V. Burns Hargis, co-hosts of the popular weekly public affairs television show seen throughout Oklahoma, “Flashpoint with Hargis and Turpen,” served as Masters of Ceremonies for the event. Turpen is a partner in the law firm of Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis in Oklahoma City. Hargis is Vice Chairman of Bank of Oklahoma NA, Oklahoma City.
Shannon Nance, President of the Oklahoma Heritage Association and OHA Director of Publications and Education, Gini Campbell served as Executive Producers. Campbell also served as Script Writer. Millie Craddick assisted as Executive Administrator,
Hall of Fame Awards. Emmy Award Winning Oklahoma native and OETA Station Manager, Bill Thrash, produced the stage show as well as the television special. Price Wooldridge served as OETA’s Production Manager. Justice Steve Taylor provided stage and talent direction. John Olson provided Lighting Design and served as 
Lighting Director along with Robin Alvis, owner of Toucan Lighting, Lighting vendor. Directing the show was OETA’s Mickie Smith along with AD, Jesi Crino and TD, Jeff Morava. Jonathan Siler served as Teleprompt Operator. Camera operators were Mark Northcutt, John Haque, Derek Watson, Randy Hayes, Boots Kennedye and Tom Thompson. Frank Gaddy served as Stage Manager for the project. Dr. Kent Kidwell contracted the Hall of Fame Orchestra and served as Music Director for the show.
Eric Riley served as EIC, Video. Larry Bearden provided video shading along with Lance O’Neal, who handled tape duties. Dave Luke, Fantasy Studios, San Francisco, provided the on-air mix. Mobile television facilities were provided by Mobile
Production Services (MPS) , Cleveland, Ohio. Forrest Production Services, Tulsa, utilized their audio mobile unit to record and mix the soundtrack, through the services of Tim Kennard, Chief Engineer and Owner, assisted by Jonathon Gardner. Alan Stiebing served as the on-site communications tech. Omega brought in sound consultant, Joey Baker to mix the live show for the more than 1400 in attendance during the formal dinner and show. TES Productions, Tulsa, provided Sound Reinforcement, Projection and Soft Goods services. TES Personnel responsible for the success of the show were Megan Stevens, Producer; Jim Lenertz, Production Coordinator, assisted by Aaron Brown and Joe Perez; David Carr, Monitor Sound Engineer; and Kevin Frankenburger, Projection Technician.
The Oklahoma Heritage Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the unique heritage and history of Oklahoma and fostering pride in the state. The organization was established in 1927 by Mrs. Anna B. Korn and a group of prominent citizens who met at the State Capitol. The first Hall of Fame Awards show was held a year later on November 16, 1928, Statehood Day. Since that first affair, the show has been held annually during the month of November. This year’s outing celebrates the 80th running of the event – the only one of its kind in the nation.
