FOUNDER, HEAD DIRECTOR, PRODUCER

Angela Burchfield is a lifelong educator, performer, and music therapist with over 30 years of experience teaching voice and piano. She’s known for her extraordinary ability to connect with children of all abilities—particularly those with special needs—and to help them discover their inner confidence both on and off the stage.

Angela has over five decades of performance experience spanning opera, theatre, rock, and sacred music. She has worn many hats throughout her career, including director, choreographer, music director, pianist, vocal coach, set designer, and muralist. Some of her recent directing and music directing credits include The Little Mermaid Jr., My Son Pinocchio, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde Jr., and Matilda (performed at Universal Studios).

In addition to her work as a director, Angela brings over 50 years of experience as a pianist, vocalist, and composer. She specializes in musical composition, arrangement, and improvisation across a wide range of genres, creating original works and adapting existing scores to match the strengths and skill levels of each cast. Her ability to customize vocal parts, accompaniment, and full musical productions ensures that every student—regardless of experience—has the opportunity to succeed, shine, and grow through the magic of live theatre.

Angela holds a degree in Music Therapy from Duquesne University and has worked extensively in special education settings, including with students in Eanes ISD. She is deeply passionate about using theatre and music as tools for emotional development, creative growth, and building lifelong self-confidence.

Today, Angela continues to teach private lessons, direct productions, and perform locally. She is the co-founder and lead vocalist of Hideous Pink, a music project she created alongside her husband, Tim, and remains committed to making the performing arts accessible, empowering, and joyful for all children.

MARKETING DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S ACTING DIRECTOR

Lilja Macki is a theatre educator, visual artist, performer, and marketing professional passionate about helping young artists find their voice. An Austin native, she graduated from McCallum Fine Arts Academy’s Theatre Program and The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a B.A. in English with a minor in History.

After college, Lilja worked as a Marketing Director for a successful small business while continuing to perform in theatrical productions, voice-over projects, and songwriting collaborations. Alongside her work in the performing arts, she is an accomplished visual artist and designer, specializing in fine art painting, branding, and artisan jewelry through her small business. Her advanced skills in visual design and creative marketing help shape the vibrant, imaginative aesthetic of Burchfield Educational Theatre.

Lilja is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas State University, integrating person-centered approaches, emotional growth, and creativity into her work with young performers. She continues to perform locally as a vocalist, singing harmonies with Hideous Pink and other Austin-area music projects, and remains passionate about making the performing and visual arts accessible, empowering, and inclusive for all children.

ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Susannah Crowell is a multidisciplinary performer and seasoned arts educator proud to serve as a children’s director at Burchfield Educational Theatre in Buda, Texas. With over a decade of experience teaching voice, dance, and theatre to young artists of all abilities, Susannah is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering spaces where every student’s creativity and neurodiversity are honored.

A native of Austin and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin (B.A. in Theatre & Dance), Susannah has taught and created theatre with renowned organizations including ZACH Theatre, kidsActing Studio, Creative Action, Paramount Theatre, I Can Do That NYC, TexArts, Strait Music, and Austin School of Music. Her work centers on building confidence, joy, and critical thinking skills through the medium of theatre arts.

As a singer, actor, and choreographer, Susannah is dual-based in Austin and New York City and a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Her professional credits include Unveiled: A Musical (SoundBeacon Entertainment), Good Omens live activations (Amazon Prime), The Handmaid’s Tale national live events (Hulu),  Annie (TexArts), Like a Queen or Whatever (HB Studio), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (The Stage Austin), and many more. She’s originated roles in new musicals, lent her voice to cast recordings and podcasts, and is a proud advocate for bold, accessible theatre.

At Burchfield Theatre, Susannah is honored to help build a theatre home where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated!