Sages Theater Inc

What it reported doing in 2025

Our first free program of 2025, Phoney Baloney, used theater arts to help vulnerable seniors identify scam attempts, reduce exploitation and protect them from the consequences of fraud. Of the 694 who attended the program, 92% of documented feedback found this play helpful. The script of Phoney Baloney, an original Play with Purpose, was created using data on senior fraud provided by AARP, the Federal Trade Commission, Pinellas County Consumer Protection and presented in partnership with local police and FBI. Its theme blends humor with empathy into a shared experience that provides practical strategies to stop scams. With a cast of 10 volunteer senior actors, SAGES presented 4 free matinee performances of live community theater at 4 leased stage venues strategically located to be convenient to reach the senior population residing within the greater Tampa Bay area. Senior audiences were engaged by their peers on stage engulfed in the tactics used by scammers to victimize them. The reality of the scenarios and the emotions aroused create vivid memories of this education. Compared to lectures on fraud, these audience members are more likely to recognize scams and recall actions to take to protect their finances, mental health and dignity. In the past 2 years, Florida ranked 2nd nationwide in reporting fraud, but the FTC consistently finds older adults are least likely to report losses from scams because of embarrassment. This fact confirms a strong need to raise awareness on scams, provide defensive strategies, and remove that perceived stigma that being victimized was entirely their own fault. Among many comments from the audience on the impact of the program, this one speaks for the benefit provided to the community: "It became so relatable and pertinent in my own life. I even shook my head, 'no!' as if I could warn my peers on stage. I was completely involved. At the end of the play, a lot of discussion came up. People talked about it, shared experiences, let others know they were not alone. No shame, only conversation and community. I hope you know the impact that made on me and what the show does for the community."

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 97.8%; rating input score 98
• Program expense ratio: 93.8%; rating input score 94
• Fundraising efficiency: $33.95 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 90%; rating input score 90; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 5 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 71
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -4.3%; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.34; rating input score 18; 18th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 77; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 30.6% per year; rating input score 100; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 22.1% per year; rating input score 100; 88th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 30.3% per year; rating input score 100; 90th percentile among comparable filings