our people

Founder & CEO

Jessica Westcott

Jess is the Founder and CEO of UpStage Australia. Growing up in the Central West of NSW, Jess experienced first-hand how impactful it is when there aren’t enough opportunities in the arts. Jess would travel hours to Sydney to take voice lessons, and eventually completed her Masters of Music in Opera at Sydney Conservatorium, performing with Opera Australia and around the world for most of her 20s. Jess has a deep passion for regional NSW, but also for the lifelong benefits of a well-rounded and high-quality arts education. She is driven to ensure that no child is geographically isolated from creativity and expression. Jess is Orff and Estill certified, has conducted for the Australian Girls Choir and Gondwana Choirs, was on the producing team for Hayes Theatre Co. and MCG, and also has a degree in New Technologies Law.

Co-CEO

Harriet Snaith

Harriet is the Co-CEO of UpStage Australia. Having grown up in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW, Harriet has enjoyed a portfolio career in the Musical Theatre industry in Sydney. Harriet has worked producing roles at Jones Theatrical, Improv Theatre Sydney, Hayes Theatre Co, and freelance. Her expertise in Arts Administration and event producing, as well as her deep connections within the MT industry has been a key driver behind UpStage since its inception. Harriet is deeply inspired by the creativity and energy of the UpStagers across the country. 

teaching artists

our board

Chris English

Chair

Joanna Chin

Treasurer

Rebecca Hilton-Brown

Director

Jack Thomson

Director

Joshua Wiseman

Director

Jack Dawson

Director

Ashlee Hints

Director