SAGES THEATER INC

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."

Our second free Play with Purpose live theater program included 4 productions of Deal Maker, addressing the challenge of older drivers experiencing cognitive decline yet missing the signs that their safety as a driver may be compromised. Collaboration with the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation, AARP, and local law enforcement led to the educational tips woven into this play. The story line features Bob, a grandfather making deals to keep his 'fender benders' secret from his concerned son. We are proud to report that during the performance Bob is persuaded to acknowledge the risks associated with his driving and voluntarily hands his car keys to his son. Spontaneous applause erupted from the audiences of seniors in response to his decision. A total of 790 seniors attended this program at the four leased stage venues around the Tampa Bay area. Local police officers took the opportunity to address the risks they see and share local statistics of older adult drivers involved in accidents. Many were surprised to learn that, in Pinellas County, approximately 6,500-7,000 traffic crashes each year involve drivers age 65 or older, representing roughly one-quarter of all crashes in the county. One of the actors in this play was very concerned about her elderly brother's driving and used tips to compassionately address the problem. Her feedback shows a direct positive impact that helped a senior and the community from harm that happens when a senior with impairment continues to drive. This play spurred her and family members to, in her words: "proceed as a team, to create a plan to get him safe. After some initial resistance he was grateful for the help. He's adjusting to his new life and that warms my heart. Deal Maker should be in continuous performance around the country. It's a unique product that offers practical advice on starting conversations and moving through the complex, multi-layered challenges our aging population presents to us all." Documented feedback shows 96% of the senior audience members would recommend this play.