David Staples has been awarded the Patrick Hayes Award by the International Society of Performing Arts Foundation (ISPA). Staples was presented with the award on January 16 during ISPA’s January conference in New York at a special awards dinner. He is managing director of Theatre Projects Consultants
The award is named after the founding president of ISPA and recognizes an ISPA member of long standing whose achievements in arts management are deserving of special praise and recognition.
Staples comments that “ISPA is a community of people with a shared passion for the performing arts. To receive the Patrick Hayes Award from my peers, colleagues and friends is a special honor. This award is particularly important to Theatre Projects, as it is the second time ISPA has recognized the achievements of our staff—the only organization to have been honored twice with this award.”
Staples joined Theatre Projects in 1974 and was appointed managing director in 1985. He is a vastly experienced theatre consultant, having worked in over 50 countries. His projects include The Lowry in Salford, England; Cerritos Centre for Performing Arts in California, USA; Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay in Singapore, and Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Staples works with clients at the inception of projects in the preparation of briefs, development of the project, and selection of the design team.