Sages Theater Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To produce theatrical programs as an educational tool for the purpose of alleviating negative issues faced by older Americans. Scripts use humor and drama to educate and empower older adults on critical aging topics. Our programs improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being, inspire positive action across generations, dispel isolation for older adults and inform them on local resources. The unique Plays with Purpose developed by SAGES Theater strengthen resilience in aging whether presented live on stage by our senior volunteer actors or presented by residents in a community for their neighbors using DIY Play Kits.
- Income
- $145,073
- Spending
- $151,306
- Spent on programs
- 94%
- Reserves
- 4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 89%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 150
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.0 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 13% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1594% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $45,800 spent. 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."
- $45,800 spent. 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.
- $45,800 spent. As caregiving for loved ones suffering memory loss is becoming a huge fact of life in America, especially in Florida, our SAGES team researched the relevant issues to create Memory Lane, another Play with Purpose, and drew from the true, personal stories of local caregivers. Four performances of free live theater were produced at four leased stage venues within the Tampa Bay Area providing information along with tips and available resources to avoid caregiver burnout. The population residing in the greater Tampa Bay Area includes 1.9 million seniors age 55+ or 38% of the total Area population. Memory Lane addresses the issues of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lewy Bodies Diseases, as well as Vascular Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration. Within the storylines of the play, the key behaviors of each are described. The scenes take place with 13 volunteer senior actors depicting a group of caregivers participating in a new 'ABC's of Caregiving' program at an aging studies lab and sharing their experiences with honesty and light humor. A serious need for information on dementia and caregiver resources is evidenced by the large amount of feedback generated by this program. A sample of comments documented on feedback forms completed by audience members show the value of this program to provide resources in crisis that can save lives, to educate as a path to decrease stigma, to encourage and ensure caregivers that they are not "alone." There is help available. Comments included: "I was not aware of the 988 Suicide/Crisis Hotline to call." "Decreased stigma of dementia/cognitive decline. Realizing we are not alone in this." "Helped me - an active caregiver for my wife (diagnosed) I became one 2 years ago". "Encouragement and ideas. This is a much-needed program! Thank you." "Seeing the frustrations with dementia and Alzheimer's and hearing how to deal with it." A total of 786 seniors attended this program at the four leased venues around the Tampa Bay area. 99% of documented feedback found this play helpful.
- $4,530 spent. Expanded DIY Play Kit program to senior centers. Expanded SAGES Singers at Plays with Purpose live shows. The singers take the stage prior to each program beginning to warm up the audience with sing-a-longs of Golden Oldies that have some connection to the play's theme. The singers venture out into the audience, making strangers feel like friends, as they urge everyone to sing these well-known tunes together. In one significant performance, a youthful "Elvis" impersonator sang his signature songs that brought back many memories producing smiles and a few tears to add to the camaraderie of this experience taking place among a community of seniors who can relate to one another. SAGES Singers promotes self-care in using music for expression and healing, as well as a manner of connecting to those around us. Many older caregivers are isolated due to their responsibilities and lack of awareness of resources available to help them and their loved ones. The positive energy of this engaging group on stage as audience members arrive sets the tone for the 'community' being gathered together to experience Memory Lane and the bittersweet emotions it evokes. Audience members often reach out to begin volunteering with SAGES through this flexible singing group and all are welcome no matter their singing experience.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2019.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.