A Presidential Production: Lighting Up OCU Law with Bill Clinton and Governor Keating
President Bill Clinton, Governor Frank Keating, and Dean/Mayor David Holt
When your morning coffee includes a briefing from the Secret Service, you know it's not your typical Tuesday. At The House Creates, we recently had the incredible honor of managing audio and lighting for a historic conversation featuring President Bill Clinton and Governor Frank Keating at Oklahoma City University’s School of Law—all on a tight timeline. 🇺🇸
Setting the Scene—With a Presidential Touch
The event wasn't just another day at the office. Nearly 500 students, faculty, and distinguished guests gathered at OCU Law's iconic 8th & Harvey location—just blocks from where the Oklahoma City Bombing occurred thirty years ago. Clinton and Keating's conversation marked the launch of the Clinton-Keating Lecture Series, commemorating their bipartisan leadership during one of Oklahoma's most challenging times.
When OCU Law brought us in for a quote, we didn’t just price it—we pitched a vision. We helped them imagine a setting that matched the weight of the moment: deep blue uplighting to tie in their brand, a custom logo Gobo projection on the backdrop (rush ordered, of course), and a lighting layout that would both honor the tone and photograph beautifully.
Working with the Secret Service (No Pressure!)
When you're mic’ing up a former U.S. President, you double—and triple—check everything. With the Secret Service overseeing our every move (in a polite, yet firm & VERY close way), we ensured microphones were discreetly placed, sound levels meticulously balanced, and every cue flawlessly executed. Precision was key, and our team delivered.
Music, Messages, and Memories
Our production went beyond technical excellence. Collaborating closely with OCU Law’s team, we thoughtfully curated entrance music and special announcements, adding a personal and emotional layer that resonated deeply with the audience. After all, this wasn't just about great sound and lighting; it was about commemorating history, honoring public service, and amplifying voices worth hearing.
Why It Matters
The Clinton-Keating Lecture wasn't merely an event—it was a powerful reminder of Oklahoma City's resilience and the lasting impact of thoughtful public leadership. At The House Creates, we believe production is more than tech specs. It's about crafting experiences that resonate, stories that stick, and moments people talk about long after the stage lights fade.
Big thanks to the remarkable team at OCU Law for trusting us with such an important day—and for bringing us in early enough to help elevate it from a great event to an unforgettable one. We’re already looking forward to next year’s lecture—and yes, we’re pros at working under pressure. ⭐️
Credits
Client: Oklahoma City University School of Law
Collaborators: Dean Mayor David Holt, The Secret Service, OCU Law Event Team
The House Creates: Chris Cox, Alan Brown, Bailey Shire
Services: Live Audio Production, Custom Lighting Design, AV Event Production
