New Paradise Laboratories
New Paradise Laboratories is a 501(c)(3) experimental theater ensemble based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, NPL collaborates with artists from a variety of disciplines, including web designers, visual artists, writers, philosophers, composers, and architects, as well as performers who work together to create interactive theater works and immersive experiences.
History
Founded in 1996 by Whit MacLaughlin, New Paradise Laboratories has created an average of one original performance work each year since its founding. Their work has been presented as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Humana Festival of New American Plays, Children's Theatre Company, and in residencies with universities all over the United States.Grants and recognition
- 2002: Pew Charitable Trusts Fellowship in Performance Art Grant to Whit MacLaughlin
- 2003: National Endowment for the Arts Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Artistic Advancement Grant
- 2003: Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour artist
- 2004: Creative Capital MAP Fund grant recipient
- 2006: "Best of Philly: Theater Company" by Philadelphia Magazine
- 2007: F. Otto Haas Emerging Artist Award recipient Matt Saunders. Among the nominees were also Lee Ann Etzold and Jeb Kreager.
- 2010: MAP Fund grant recipient
- 2010: Jorge Cousineau named "Artist of the Year" by ''Philadelphia Weekly''