An 11:11 Experience is a production company founded on a powerful idea. It believes in the ability of storytelling to open minds, build empathy and bring about meaningful change. Created by writer, director and producer Michael Leoni, the company works across film and theatre to tell stories that often go untold. Each project is driven by the belief that art should not only entertain but also inspire action and spark dialogue. From its earliest productions to its current work in development, An 11:11 Experience has stayed committed to creating films and performances that reach people on a deeper emotional level and ask them to see the world through a more compassionate lens.
The company made its first major mark with a theatrical production in Los Angeles called The Playground. This music-infused stage piece was inspired by the lives of homeless youth and teenage runaways. It had six successful runs and quickly gained recognition from the industry for both its creative execution and emotional weight. More than just a performance, The Playground gave voice to a population that is often ignored. The production helped set the tone for the kind of work An 11:11 Experience would continue to create. Work that is not only bold but rooted in real life struggles.
Following the success of The Playground, the company presented Elevator, a comedic play centered around seven strangers stuck in an elevator. While more lighthearted on the surface, the play offered a sharp look at human interaction and judgment. It ran for ten months and earned Critic’s Choice from the Los Angeles Times, along with eleven Broadway World nominations including Best New Work. The show displayed the company’s talent for combining entertainment with thought-provoking content, using humor as a tool to reflect on deeper truths.
While theatre remained a strong focus, An 11:11 Experience also turned its attention to film. One of its most important projects is American Street Kid, an award-winning documentary that explores the lives of homeless youth in the United States. The film captures the painful reality these young people face and the difficult choices they must make to survive. Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play, the documentary drew praise for its honesty and the clear compassion with which it was made. It continued the company’s mission to give a platform to people who are rarely seen or heard and did so without sensationalizing their lives.
In 2021, the company released the narrative feature film #WhenTodayEnds. This story centers on four teenagers who are struggling with emotional isolation and suicidal thoughts. Each of them posts their final messages on social media, creating a digital diary of pain and searching. The film handles its subject matter with sensitivity and care, bringing attention to the silent mental health crisis many young people experience. By shedding light on the internal battles that lead to such tragedies, the company continued to position itself as a voice for those who feel invisible.
Famous is another bold project that blends live theatre with cinematic storytelling. It tells the story of Jason Mast, a young Hollywood star whose decision to speak the truth about a troubling night sends ripples through the entertainment industry. The piece explores power, secrecy and the cost of fame. Famous ran for a year at the 11:11 Theatre in West Hollywood and received praise for its gripping direction and emotional intensity. As with its other work, the company did not back away from the uncomfortable. Instead, it leaned into the challenge of presenting a narrative that held a mirror to the culture around it.
An 11:11 Experience joined the production of the recent Broadway revival of Othello. This modern interpretation placed the classic story of jealousy and betrayal in a contemporary setting with a diverse cast. Although the company was not the sole producing entity, it played a role in helping to bring the project to life. The production starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington, adding both star power and depth to the experience. It was another example of the company’s willingness to engage with powerful material in new and meaningful ways.
Another key milestone was the Broadway premiere of Call Me Izzy, which starred the acclaimed actress Jean Smart. This production reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to character-driven narratives that explore identity, relationships, and personal truth, as seen in its upcoming Broadway staging of Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves. With every new project, the company continues to prove its commitment to quality and social impact.
Expanding its storytelling into television, An 11:11 Experience is currently developing a series called St. Mark’s Academy for Boys. The show is described as a dark coming of age story set in an elite all boys school in the United States. It aims to address issues of privilege, pressure and hidden trauma while maintaining the company’s core approach of combining emotional storytelling with social insight.
Looking forward, the company is preparing to begin production on a new project titled The Fear Project Part One Trauma. This upcoming work is expected to explore the roots and impact of trauma through a deeply personal and artistic lens. Staying true to the values that have guided every step of the company’s journey, the project will seek to illuminate the inner world of fear while encouraging audiences to confront and understand their own emotional experiences. Even in the early stages, it is clear that this new piece will carry forward the same passion for truth and connection that defines the company’s past work.
Throughout its body of work, An 11:11 Experience has earned respect for its creative courage and unwavering dedication to social relevance. It is not simply a company that produces content. It is a company that takes responsibility for the stories it tells and the lives it touches. Michael Leoni’s leadership has shaped an environment where artists and audiences alike are invited to feel more, think more and care more. While the entertainment industry often prioritizes numbers and fame, An 11:11 Experience continues to stand for something more. It stands for human truth.
In a world overwhelmed with distraction and surface level storytelling, An 11:11 Experience reminds us of the power of real connection. It shows what is possible when art is used not just to escape reality but to understand it. Through every play, every film and every new idea, the company continues to give voice to the voiceless. And in doing so, it continues to change the conversation one story at a time.
