BILL CRAWFORD MEMORIAL AWARD (established 1988) is given on very special occasions to a person or member organizations in recognition of services and devotion to OCTA and its theatres. This honors one of the founding members of OCTA. Bill Crawford was known nationally for his work as Arts Editor of the Lawton Constitution newsletter. His great love for the arts came through loud and clear in his articles and reviews. He always did his homework–reading plays and biographies, articles about performers, authors, composers. His writings were literate, well thought out, based on a foundation of informed knowledge, not hypothesis. Bill was always relied upon for his knowledge, his enthusiasm and his wit.
This is awarded in odd years when there is deemed a worthy recipient.
History: OCTA had not previously recognized the contributions made by Mr. Crawford as one of the Founders except through the publication, OCTAGON. This award commemorates not only his memory but his sincere devotion and his efforts to organize, perpetuate and to advance community theatre not only in Oklahoma but the Region and Nationally.
Bill Crawford Memorial Award Past Recipients
2023
Martha Cherbini
2022
Leslie Currell, Stillwater
2019
Gina Flesher, Duncan
2015
Dr. Andrew Kimbrough, Stillwater
2013
Cynthia Kent, Lawton
2011
Ronny Jones, Shawnee
2009
Shonda Currell, Elk City
2006
Merrisue Lucardeaux, OKC (deceased)
2004
Thomas Cowley, Ponca City
2002
Paula McGee, McAlester
1999
Dwayne Brittain, Duncan
1997
Shirlie Gentry, Oklahoma Arts Council
1993
John and Eleanor (deceased) Kirkpatrick, Oklahoma City
1992
George Kaiser, Tulsa
1989
Lil Williams, Ardmore (deceased)
Jimmy Vaughn, Oklahoma City (deceased)
Jeanne Adams Wray, Stillwater (deceased)