For 15 years Omega Productions has worked on one of the last of a dying breed of shows – the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Awards Show, a live musical variety and awards
presentation of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. For the past ten years Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen 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 21 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 Toby Keith and Astronaut Neil Armstrong, was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Seven outstanding Oklahomans were inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame during a ceremony that included live musical performances by Keith and the Hall of Fame Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Kent Kidwell,
Those inducted were William H. Crawford, Frederick, OK; George Henderson, Norman, OK; Robert S. Kerr, Oklahoma City; William G. Paul, Oklahoma City; Boone Pickens, Dallas; Milann Siegfried, Tulsa;
and William K. Warren, Tulsa. Astronaut Neil Armstrong was present to introduce Ms. Siegfried.
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. OETA’s Price Wooldridge served as Production Manager – Television. Bob Thompson served as Associate Producer and Head Writer. Judge Steve Taylor, Jere Smith and Randel Bryant provided stage and talent direction. John Olson provided Lighting Design along with Kevin Lesley. Robin Alvis, Toucan Lighting, Midwest City,
served as Lighting Facilities vendor. Directing the show was OETA’s Mickie Smith along with AD, J. C. Johnson and TD, Jeff Morava. Holly Emig served as Teleprompt Operator. Camera operators were Mark Northcutt, Dwayne Jones, John Haque, Lori Story and Randy Hayes. Frank Tannehill provided set design and served as Production Manager – Stage. Dr. Kent Kidwell contracted the Hall of Fame Orchestra and served as Music Director for the show.
Jack Schriewer served as EIC, assisted by Kelly Barnett along with OETA’s Roger Newton. 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. Frontline Audio, Dallas, provided wireless PL and microphone systems. Alan Stiebing served as the on-site communications tech. Omega brought in sound reinforcement 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 Art Whaley served as Systems Engineer. Alford Media, Dallas, and AV Engineers, Todd Pickel and Jim Brady, 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 76th running of the event – the only one of its kind in the nation.
