Tampa, Florida

UpwardMotion

Theater Company

Accessible theater education & performance for young adult artists — because theatre is for everyone.

Buy Tickets — $25Our Story
Programme — 2026Est. Tampa Bay
Act IThe Mission

Theatre is for everyone.

At Upward Motion, our mission is to empower young adult artists through accessible theater education and performance opportunities. We aim to reduce barriers for young adults hoping to further their development in the arts. By entertaining and enriching our community through engaging performances and events, we strive to support young directors, actors, and artists as they grow and thrive in their creative journeys.

Act IIThe Company
Annie Westcott — Owner & Creative Director
01Annie Westcott

Owner & Creative Director

Annie Westcott

Annie Westcott is a Hillsborough County native with 15+ years of local theater experience. While the majority of her experience is from performing in local productions such as Charlotte’s Web (Wilbur) and Anything Goes (Erma), she spent many years ruminating on how she would love to direct, produce, and learn more about the beautiful craft of theatre. Upward Motion is a passion project and her belief is that theatre does not have to be something exclusively for people with decades of experience — theatre is art and theatre is for everyone.

Sam Estes — Music Director
02Sam Estes

Music Director

Sam Estes

A Tampa Bay native, Sam grew up immersed in the world of music and theater and found his home in the arts. As a performer, Sam has appeared in a number of diverse settings — most notably in Mozart’s The Impresario and Heathers: The Musical. With a vibrant background in musical direction at Patel Conservatory at The Straz Center Tampa, Plant City Entertainment, The Village Players, and Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, Sam finds no greater joy than in the love of music. Sam is a high school music teacher in Pinellas County, where he instills the love of the performing arts in his students every day.

Lizzie — Creative & Brand
03Lizzie

Creative & Brand

Lizzie

Lizzie is a writer and artist with a keen eye for aesthetic visuals. She’s a social media curator by day and a bedroom alt-pop musician, “Lizthetic,” by night. They believe indulging in creativity and whimsy are essential to live a full life, and through that expression, you are led to meaningful connections and relationships.

Coming Soon

This page is reserved for our company of regular performers.

We’re assembling the ensemble now — names to follow.

Act IIIWhat’s Next

The Step Up Workshop presents

HairWorkshop Edition

A six-hour intensive for young adult artists. Come prepared to learn music and choreography for three iconic numbers from the musical Hair — and to grow alongside fellow performers in a supportive, collaborative environment, whether you’re just getting started or sharpening your craft.

Date
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time
12–6 PM
Place
Barter Box — Lakeland, FL
Address
839 N Massachusetts Ave
Tickets
$25
Tickets
1

Secure checkout via Stripe.

On the Horizon

2027 — our first full season

Auditions, shows, and dates are being planned now. Subscribers hear everything first.

Stay Updated