It may be a little too cold for kids to play outside after school, so the East Mountain Centre for Theatre is giving them a chance to play inside while learning all about theater.

The EMCT winter after school program, beginning Feb. 2, has a new director, Lauren Albonico, who is excited to begin work with the students.

Albonico, who moved to Tijeras with her husband in the fall of 2008, is a graduate student at the University of New Mexico. She is a current master of arts candidate in theater education and outreach.

She has worked professionally in theater as an educator, director, actor, designer and playwright in St. Louis and Chicago before her move southwest.

This summer, Albonico will be directing a Shakespeare on the Rail project — a collaborative program with the New Mexico Rail Runner.

Albonico began working with children as an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis. She started a theater program for fifth- and sixth-grade students in inner-city St. Louis. The kids wrote plays and even performed one of the plays in a full-scale production.

Last fall, she taught Saturday classes for children at UNM.

The full-time student is excited to work with children in the East Mountains.

"I like to share the same joy I found in life with the next generation," Albonico said. "I'm a hands-on director. I love to get the kids up on their feet and keep them moving."

The class will include working with Albonico on basic acting techniques, script analysis and how to build a character.

There is still space available in the program.

The class meets Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 2 and ending April 13. The class runs from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Ages 9 and up are invited to attend, but younger students may be accepted with instructor's approval. Tuition in $100, but scholarships are available. The class will be held at Vista Grande Community Center, 15 La Madera Road in Sandia Park.

For more information, call 286-1950 or visit www.emct.org.

Other upcoming events at the EMCT include the production of "Steel Magnolias," showing Feb. 13-28 at Vista Grande. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone, or at the door.