Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces “SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo”
September 5, 2025
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces
“SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo”
Fighting back against runaway tech to protect our kids’ childhoods on October 22
Featuring an inspirational talk with award-winning journalist, former staff writer for The New York Times, and media ecologist, Julie Scelfo, alongside curated shopping and a seasonal luncheon
Saratoga Springs, NY (September 5, 2025) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces that its popular fundraising event, “SPAC in Conversation,” will return on Wednesday, October 22 with a refreshed event format in the historic Hall of Springs, featuring award-winning journalist, former New York Times staff writer and media ecologist Julie Scelfo. Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), Scelfo will lead an inspiring discussion on “fighting back against runaway tech to protect our kids’ childhoods.”
A veteran journalist and mother of three, Julie Scelfo founded MAMA after witnessing how screen addiction, exploitative algorithms, and a lack of regulation have created an increasingly unhealthy and unsafe media environment for children.
“At SPAC, we believe that the arts and our natural surroundings provide a vital refuge and a path to connection,” said Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Julie’s work resonates deeply with that vision, reminding us of the urgency to protect real human experience in a world increasingly shaped by digital forces. We are honored to welcome her voice to our community.”
The afternoon will feature a plated luncheon, boutique shopping, and a keynote presentation by Scelfo, who will share insights into the latest research, the legislative landscape, and practical tools for parents and caregivers. New for this year, the complete event will take place in the Hall of Springs while the Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation.
Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) is a unique chapter-based grassroots movement that has established 35 chapters across 22 states in just 18 months, with more forming nationwide. Under Scelfo’s leadership, MAMA has helped pass nation-leading legislation in New York to combat addictive social media feeds and protect children online, mobilized support for the federal Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), and advocated for banning personal devices during the school day.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to return to SPAC and the Saratoga Springs community for a conversation about how parents, educators, caregivers and policymakers are standing up to what may be the biggest public health challenge of our time — a crisis fueled by corporate greed and negligence,” said Scelfo. “I look forward to sharing the inspiring stories of people whose frustration with social media giants and AI companies putting profits before children’s safety led them to take action, and to exploring how we can work together to protect childhood by making changes in our homes, our communities and across the nation.”
Scelfo is returning by popular demand following her “SPAC in Conversation” debut in 2023, discussing her book The Women Who Made New York, an acclaimed collection that uncovers the untold stories of trailblazing women—from activists like Zora Neale Hurston and Audre Lorde to icons like Grace Jones—who shaped New York City’s cultural identity.
“SPAC in Conversation: Julie Scelfo” is presented by the SPAC Action Council, which supports SPAC’s mission through membership, volunteering efforts, and fundraising events. Past speakers for the event have included New York Times food and wine writer Florence Fabricant; acclaimed food and travel writer Sylvie Bigar; New York Times columnist Pamela Paul; celebrated author of The End of Your Life Book Club, Will Schwalbe; New York Times bestselling author Andrew Gross; award-winning NPR host and correspondent Jacki Lyden, and acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Brundage, among others.
The schedule of events is as follows:
10:00 a.m. Boutique Shopping
12:00 p.m. Luncheon
12:30 p.m. Julie Scelfo, Keynote Speaker
1:00 p.m. Raffle Drawing
2:00 p.m. Event concludes
Cost to attend the fundraiser is $100 and includes the discussion, luncheon and boutique shopping. Tickets may be purchased at spac.org or by calling at 518.584.9330, ext. 142.
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Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.