#OnThisDay The 24 Hour Plays

#OnThisDay 24 February 2001—24 years ago— The 24 Hour Plays took the stage at the Henry Fonda Theater in Los Angeles co-produced by Workhouse to raise critical donations for the New York State WTC Relief Fund. In the wake of 9/11, this extraordinary event brought together an incredible ensemble of talent, proving that art can be a force for healing and change.
Workhouse founder Adam Nelson portrayed Otto in Sleeping City, directed by Gregory Mosher, alongside Jared Harris, Seth Green, and Gina Phillips. The Los Angeles edition featured a stellar lineup, including Mila Kunis, Sarah Silverman, John Ritter, Bob Balaban, Adam Goldberg, Christina Applegate, Jennifer Coolidge, and a galaxy of greats—each contributing to six original plays created, rehearsed, and performed within just 24 hours.

Just days after 9/11, Workhouse co-produced The 24 Hour Plays to aid NYC, one of the first artistic endeavors to take place during a dark & difficult time. Nelson shared the stage with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei and Fisher Stevens joining a powerhouse cast that included Rosie Perez, Benjamin Bratt, Billy Crudup, Mary-Louise Parker, Julianne Moore, Kyra Sedgwick, Natasha Lyonne, Scarlett Johansson, Liev Schreiber, and Sam Rockwell. The benefit raised over $30,000, performing for a sold-out audience including New York icons like Robert DeNiro and Kevin Bacon. Every dollar supported the families and victims of September 11th.
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What began as a response to an unimaginable tragedy has since grown into an internationally celebrated tradition. The 24 Hour Plays continues to bring together artists and audiences, proving that storytelling and community can create lasting impact—on stage and beyond.