New Paradise Laboratories

New Paradise Laboratories (NPL) 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 (NPL) has created an average of one original performance work each year since its founding. Their work has been presented as part of the FringeArts Festival (formerly Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe), 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

Company members

 * Whit MacLaughlin (Artistic Director) -  he has conceived, directed, and designed 20 original performance works with the company since its inception in 1996. Since 1978, he has acted in, directed, or written over 100 theatre productions.
 * KC Chun-Manning (Managing Director) - served from 2015 to 2020 and remains active on Board of Directors.