Charcoalblue's Managing Partner made Companion of LIPA

	Andy Hayles is awarded the accolade for outstanding achievement in the performing arts by Sir Paul McCartney at LIPA's summer 2013 graduation ceremony.

Theatre design consultancy Charcoalblue's managing partner Andy Hayles has been made a Companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

Hayles was awarded the honor -- an accolade given for outstanding achievement in the performing arts, and practical contribution to students' learning -- by Sir Paul McCartney at LIPA's summer 2013 graduation ceremony.

"It has been my privilege to contribute to the fantastic theatre and performance technology course at LIPA over the last few years. Not only are the students highly motivated, but Richard Redrop, the course director, has woven a fantastic series of seminars together covering auditoria design, acoustics, and emerging technology. I am very proud to be play a small part is the course's success!"

LIPA is one of the United Kingdom's leading institutions for performing arts and offers a wealth of courses including acting, sound technology, and theatre and performance technology, and design.

"Principal Mark Featherstone-Witty places a particular emphasis on preparing students for the real world. Whether they are music technologists, stage managers, or designers there are no ivory towers in Liverpool! As well as nurturing skill and creativity, each student is prepared to be resourceful, persistent, and personable; values that are highly prized in the industry. I certainly learn a lot from the students to bring back to my team at Charcoalblue!"

Other leading figures from the entertainment industry were also honored at the event, including DJ and producer Mark Ronson, veteran US record label boss Seymour Stein, and Olivier award-winning choreographer Stephen Mears.

"The day was particularly special for me as the City of Liverpool has been very kind to Charcoalblue. We have contributed to five projects in the City. So graduating in the Phil (a building we are currently refurbishing with Emma King and Caruso St John Architects) which is located on the same street as the Liverpool Everyman Theatre, due to open early next year, was a delight. And I'm still not sure I'm worthy to share a stage with Gemma Bodinetz, the Everyman's wonderful artistic director, Sir Paul McCartney, and the other esteemed LIPA Companions -- but I think I got away with it on the day!"

Hayles has 17 years' experience in theatre consultancy, including two years as a director of Theatre Projects Consultants. He was co-founder of Charcoalblue in 2004 and is the managing partner of the partnership.

Some of Hayles' past and current projects include the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Transformation, and Courtyard Theatre, RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon; National Theatre Studio and the NT Shed, London; Old Vic Theatre, Bristol; Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse; National Theatre Future Project, London; Camden Roundhouse, London; Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square; Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester; Young Vic Theatre, London; St. Ann's Warehouse, New York City; Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago; and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.