Founded in 1997 by Tannis Kowalchuk and Brad Krumholz, the not-for-profit North American Cultural Laboratory (NACL) creates innovative original work that is ensemble-based, utilizing devised methods of creation, heightened physicality, and song to create vivid theatre experiences. The company is made up of four permanent members and 10 associate artists. Upon formation, NACL was in residence at La Mama Theatre in New York City from 1997-2000 where the company trained and produced three performances.
We draw from a continuum of experimental techniques that includes the ensemble work of Denmark’s Odin Teatret, Canada’s Primus Theatre, and the research of Jerzy Grotowski. Over the years, we have built upon these sources to develop a unique approach to training and creation technique that awakens each artist’s potential to maximize the expressive use of body, voice, imagination, experience, memory and intellect to create compelling new works for the theatre.
In 2000, NACL moved into its own theatre and artists residence in the Catskills Mountains of New York, located about 2 hours from Manhattan. NACL is now a full time theatre company in Highland Lake, NY where the company operates a historic church-turned-theatre and, next door to the theatre, an artist residence in a 1920’s summer boarding house (now winterized). NACL has developed the theatre and house into an international arts 
center and cultural hub for gatherings, retreats, rehearsals, workshops and performances.
NACL produces The NACL Catskill Festival of New Theatre, an annual international festival which provides a nurturing performance venue for an array of theatre performers, drawing a diverse audience to NACL. Now in its 9th year, the festival has produced the innovative work of artists like Split Britches, Dah Teatar (Serbia), International WOW, Theatre of a Two Headed Calf, ArtSpot Productions, Great Small Works, Curious Theatre Branch, Zuppa Circus, LAVA, Carpetbag Brigade, Strike Anywhere, Walter Thompson Orchestra, Circus Amok, and innovative playwrights and directors such as Michael Rohd, Lisa D’amour, Raymond Bobgan, and Ruth Margraff.
NACL practices and teaches their rigorous training and devising techniques throughout the year. The annual NACL Catskill Performer Training Retreat has played host to over 150 professional performers. NACL also hosts world-class master classes at the center. Master teachers have included Mario Biagini (The Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards, Italy), Roberta Carreri (Odin Teatret, Denmark), Michael Rohd (Northwestern University/Sojourn Theatre), and coming up, Stephen Wangh (NYU/Naropa).
NACL has created twelve original devised performances since 1997. Our current repertory includes The Uncanny Appearance of Sherlock Holmes, The Confessions of Punch and Judy, 10 Brecht Poems, Mystery of Lakewood House, and The Passion according to GH. NACL has performed in New York City theatres and has toured to theatres and festivals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Tour highlights include Sibiu Festival (Romania), Varna Festival (Bulgaria), Dah Teatar (Serbia), NET Fest (California), Mad River Festival (California), FURYFest (California), On the Waterfront (Halifax, Canada), Artistic Ancestry Festival (New Orleans), and the Crossing Borders Festival (Boston).
In 2008/9, NACL will perform The Uncanny Appearance of Sherlock Holmes in upstate New York, at HERE Arts Center in New York City, and in a variety of US cities including Cleveland, Providence, and New Orleans.
