JEANNE ADAMS WRAY SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD (established 1988) is given to those selected people who are not working directly with community theatre in Oklahoma, but have or are making contributions to its progress. It is dedicated to the forethought and stamina of Mrs. Jeane Adams Wray to get our great state organization formed and her continued efforts until it has become one of the best state theatre organizations in the U.S. She also brought OCTA national recognition before more other state groups were organized. She was active in University, National and International associations. She insisted however that there be recognition for the quality theatre productions in the Oklahoma communities. She developed a series of correspondence courses at Penn State University on ‘how to start a communtiy theatre’ and ‘how to organize a state association.’ Through her influence, the first International Theatre Conference outside of Europe was convened in Oklahoma City in 1975. Mrs. Wray always was seen wearing a hat!!
This award is to be given in odd years.
Jeanne Adams Wray Special Recognition Award Past Recipients
2015
Tom Sanders, Grove
2011
Darrelyn Hoffman, Oklahoma City
Scott Richard Klein, Lawton
2009
Oklahoma Arts Council (OAC)
2004
Cliff Hudson, Sonic Industries
2000
Phillip Blender, Bartlesville
1999
State Sen. Penny Williams, Tulsa
Joe Freeman, Oklahoma City
1994
Mark Houston, Oklahoma City writer / composer / director (deceased)
1992
Dr. Nat Eek, University of Oklahoma, Norman
Dr. Claude Kezer, SWOSU
Dr. Molly Risso, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Duran (deceased)
Dr. Nancy Vunovich, University of Tulsa
1989
Dr. Jerry Davis, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Dr. Lee Hicks, Central State University, Edmond
Mona Poehling, OCTA
Betty Price, State Arts Council of Oklahoma