Michael Leoni is an American writer, director, and producer whose work in both film and theatre reflects a deep commitment to social awareness and artistic excellence. With a career marked by powerful storytelling, he has earned recognition for his ability to address complex human issues through creative and emotionally resonant projects. As the founder of the production company An 11:11 Experience, Leoni has dedicated his craft to producing content that does more than entertain. His goal is to provoke thought, spark conversation, and ultimately inspire change.
Born in New York, Leoni discovered his love for theatre and storytelling early in life. That passion led him to formal training where he was accepted into the Hart Conservatory’s BFA program on a talent scholarship. It was there that he sharpened his skills in writing, directing, and production, laying the foundation for a career that would soon expand across both coasts of the United States.
Leoni began his professional journey in Boston by directing well known theatrical productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and Falsettos. Alongside these classics, he also developed original works such as Wanted, City of Dreams, and Omerta. These early plays combined traditional theatre with modern storytelling and showcased Leoni’s distinctive approach to stage direction. His dedication to authentic narrative and emotional depth quickly set him apart.
When he moved to New York City, Leoni’s work gained greater visibility. He wrote, directed, and produced Off-Broadway productions like Enigma and Deviants. He also directed This Is Our Youth and took part in directing the rock musical LOUD, which earned a nomination at the New York Fringe Festival. His time in New York helped further establish his voice in theatre and proved his ability to connect with diverse audiences through raw and honest storytelling.
Relocating to Los Angeles marked a turning point in Leoni’s career. It was there that he founded An 11:11 Experience, a production company focused on developing meaningful projects with social impact. His Los Angeles debut included The Playground, a stage production inspired by the lives of homeless youth. Infused with rock music and emotional power, the play received widespread praise and was performed annually for five consecutive years. It became a cornerstone of his career and a testament to his long term commitment to stories that matter.
Leoni’s work in film began to take off as he transitioned from the stage to the screen. In 2010, he directed the short film Spare Some Change, which featured the band Switchfoot. The film raised awareness about homelessness and reflected his personal connection to social issues. He followed this with short films including Radford Rd, Deliver Us, and Someplace in Between. The last of these was officially selected for the LA Shorts Film Festival in 2009, offering further validation of his filmmaking vision.
One of Leoni’s most significant accomplishments came with the release of his feature documentary American Street Kid in 2020. The film dives into the lives of homeless youth in America and reveals their experiences with a rare and honest lens. Executive produced by Academy Award nominated producer Howard Barish and Emmy nominated producer Mark Burley, the documentary earned critical acclaim and multiple awards. It became a defining project in Leoni’s career and underscored his deep empathy and commitment to telling stories that often go unheard.
In 2021, Leoni released When Today Ends, a narrative feature that explored the effects of social media and the emotional struggles faced by teenagers. The film was praised for its poignant message and unique storytelling style. That same year, he unveiled Famous, a bold experiment that combined live theatre with film to explore the darker side of fame in 1990s Hollywood. The project was well received by critics, with BroadwayWorld calling it a masterpiece. These films cemented Leoni’s status as a filmmaker capable of blending emotional depth with innovative technique.
His work has not gone unnoticed in the theatre world either. His play Elevator became a major success, running for over eleven months at the Coast Playhouse in Los Angeles. The production earned a Critics Pick from the LA Times and brought home several BroadwayWorld Awards including Best New Work. Leoni himself was honored with the Best Director title by StageSceneLA, further proving his range and skill in both stage and screen.
Beyond the stage and the camera, Leoni is also an author. His book Dare to Be Bad serves as a handbook for artists and creatives, offering guidance on how to embrace vulnerability, unlock creativity, and overcome fear. The book reflects his own philosophy as an artist and his belief that breaking boundaries is essential to genuine expression.
Leoni also founded Spare Some Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping street youth through mentorship and artistic expression. Through this initiative, he launched a media campaign aimed at using art as a vehicle for social change. The program reflects his belief that storytelling is not just a profession but a responsibility to influence the world in a positive way.
In 2025, Leoni took a major step forward by producing the Broadway run of Othello, featuring acclaimed actors Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The project marked his return to the stage as a producer and demonstrated his continued influence in the theatre world. His other Broadway productions include Call Me Izzy and the upcoming Broadway production of Waiting for Godot with Keanu Reeves. At the same time, he is currently working on multiple feature films, a television series, and two original musicals, showing no signs of slowing down.
Michael Leoni’s career is defined by more than just creative success. His work carries a message. Whether he is directing a documentary about homeless youth, producing a play that confronts personal pain, or writing a book to empower artists, his mission remains clear. He uses art as a force for empathy, transformation, and truth. Through every medium he touches, Leoni proves that storytelling can be both beautiful and brave, and that purpose is the most powerful script of all.
