For 16 years Omega Productions has worked on one of the few remaining true live variety awards shows – the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Awards Show, a live music
al variety and awards presentation of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. For the past eleven years Paul Christensen and his wife Donna have served as line and technical producers for the event, which has continued to grow into one of the premier awards shows in the country. For over 22 years, the black-tie ceremony has been shot and televised statewide by the
Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), the Oklahoma PBS Network.
This year’s show, which featured appearances by Leona Mitchell and other luminaries, was held at the Great Hall of the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Eight outstanding Oklahomans, seven living and one deceased were inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame during a ceremony that included live musical performances by internationally recognized opera personality, Leona Mitchell, and the Hall of Fame Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Kent Kidwell,
Those inducted were Bill Anoatubby, Ada, OK; Molly Shi Boren, Norman, OK; Frederick F. Drummond, Pawhuska, OK; William E. Durrett, Oklahoma City, OK; Christine Gaylord Everest, Oklahoma City, OK;
Leona Mitchell, Enid, OK; R. James Woolsey, McLean, Virginia; and Wiley Post(deceased), Maysville, OK.
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 in Vice Chairman of Bank of Oklahoma NA, Oklahoma City.
Dr. Paul F. Lambert, Special Consultant to the Association, served as Executive Producer along with OHA Director of Publications, Gini Campbell, who assisted Lambert with venue and 
other administrative responsibilities. Emmy Award Winning Oklahoma native and OETA Deputy Director, Bill Thrash, produced the stage show as well as the television special. Bob Thompson served as Head Writer. Judge Steve Taylor, and Jere Smith provided stage and talent direction. John Olson provided Lighting Design along with Robin Alvis, owner of Toucan Lighting, which provided the Lighting Facilities. Directing the show was OETA’s Price 
Wooldridge along with AD, Holly Emig and TD, Jeff Morava. Jonathan Siler served as Teleprompt Operator. Camera operators were Mark Northcutt, Mickie Smith, Mark Voyles, Randy Hayes and Drake Matney. Frank Tannehill provided set design and served as Production Manager for the project. Dr. Kent Kidwell contracted the Hall of Fame Orchestra and served as Music Director for the show.
Dave Schramm served as EIC, assisted by Kelly Barnett along with OETA’s Don Moore. Leon Smith provided video shading along with Lance O’Neal, who handled tape duties. Dave Luke, Fantasy Studios, San Francisco, mixed the television
soundtrack. Mobile television facilities were provided by Cox Production Services Group, Oklahoma City. Forrest Production Services, Tulsa, utilized their mobile unit to record and mix the soundtrack, through the services of Tim Kennard, Chief Engineer and Owner, assisted by Quinton Davis. Frontline Audio, Dallas, provided wireless PL and microphone systems. 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 1600 in attendance during the formal dinner and show.
Allan Todd, OKC Backup, Oklahoma City, provided sound reinforcement facilities. OKC’s Dave Walker performed Monitor Engineering duties, while OKC’s Steve Reynolds served as Systems Engineer. Alford Media, Dallas, and AV Engineer, Greg Emery , provided a state-of-the-art digital projection system, allowing the capacity crowd to view the live TV show on four 12 x 16 foot screens.
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 77th running of the event – the only one of its kind in the nation.
