Lights, Camera, Action!

Subject Expert Teacher

Drama

3rd - 7th grades

aja.payton@basised.com

Growing up in Murphy, Texas, Ms. Aja started doing in theatre in middle school before moving onto the high school level, where she excelled in a variety of roles both on and offstage. She continued this pursuit at the collegiate level before ultimately getting a BFA in Film and Media Arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

Ms. Aja is trained in a wide range of theatre styles and approaches including but not limited to Suzuki, Viewpoints, and the works of Sanford Meisner, Uta Hagen, and Stanislavski. She has starred in numerous productions in her time as a student, getting competitive awards in UIL and competitions of the like. She has worked with countless teachers and directors which have inspired her to take on the role herself. 

Ms. Aja is very excited to work with the students coming to BASIS Richardson, and cannot wait to share what is in store for them next year!

Chair of Fine Arts

Music & Drama

1st and 2nd grades

elizabeth.clevenger@basised.com

Born in Ada, Oklahoma, Ms. Lizzie is proud to have lived and studied the arts all over our country! A graduate from Grapevine High School, she gained many theater skills including directing, lighting design, sound operation, scenic creation, casting operations, and a love for Texas! She gained multiple awards at state choral contests, was a Sister City Ambassador for Grapevine in Scotland, and awards for lighting design and supporting actress in UIL contests. 

Lizzie is blessed to have been in a myriad of stage productions at community theaters and Six Flags over Texas and feature films (Twisters 2025), as well as an intern for CSA casting director Chris Freihofer, a musical theatre performance degree from AMDA Los Angeles/NYC, and a film & media degree from the University of Oklahoma. 

Ms. Lizzie loves coffee, family, and her cat named Inky! She is excited to continue her journey with BASIS Richardson next year, and she hopes to inspire young students to enjoy music and theater as a life-long journey! 

Subject Expert Teacher

Music

3rd - 7th grades

christopher.evans@basised.com

Mr. Evans grew up in Sherman, Texas where he attended Sherman high school. Evans was part of the Bearcat Marching band that performed in state marching competition twice during his school year along with Bands of America. During concert band season, he performed in the varsity band group called the Wind Ensemble. After high school, he attended Grayson College to receive his AA degree in music. Christopher performed with the Viking Concert Band and Austin College Wind Symphony. This is where he began to pick up piano. 

After Grayson College, Evans attended Texas Woman’s University to receive his BA in music. He was part of the University Band, Jazz Band, and Trombone Choir. During his time, the trombone choir was invited to TMEA to perform. Evans has received awards such as outstanding freshman in music and most improved in music. 

Outside of BASIS, he is also a private lesson instructor for piano and brass instruments.