What skills does an actress use in the profession?

“My sense of humor, my curiosity and my idealism,” said Janet Mitchko, who in addition to being the associate artistic director for The Public Theatre in Lewiston, is also a professional actress.

Mitchko knew as a youngster in elementary school that she wanted to be a performer. Acting sparked her interest, but she also considered being a musician since she played the bassoon and clarinet.

Living on Long Island, New York brought her into New York City where she discovered a whole new world of performance. When she was 13 years old, she saw the Broadway show, “Irene,” starring stage and screen veteran, Debbie Reynolds.

“I got to go backstage and meet her,” said Mitchko, who doesn’t remember saying much of anything at the time. “I was stage-struck meeting Debbie Reynolds from TV, movies, ‘Singing in the Rain.'” From that day on, Mitchko knew that she was destined for the stage.

While she had great teachers in high school and opportunities at Juilliard, one of the world’s most prestigious conservatories, Mitchko said there is no strict formula to becoming an actress.

“Nowhere does it say if you do this, you will succeed. There can be no logic in what happens,” she admitted. “Some folks have said it takes 10 years to make a good actor.”

Mitchko believes that self-confidence goes a long way in an acting career.

“It is a tough business. You have to remember that ‘you’ are the product. You have to remember who you are and what you are and not get rattled by opinions and rejection,” said Mitchko.

After years of stage and film work, as well as a career as a stage director, Mitchko is always learning from other actors and the people she works with.

“What happens is that you are always feeding the instrument, always paying attention,” said Mitchko, who is currently in rehearsal for The Public Theatre’s next performance. “Not to sound Zen about it, but the more you are present, the better you focus on the work.”

Mitchko advises that would-be actors train themselves, particularly in live theater.

“In movies and in television, you can cover a lot,” she said, implying that the multiple takes and editing can cover up any shortcomings an actor may have. “[But stage work] gets to your natural ability, your technique to maintain a performance and how to connect with a live audience.”

In her role as associate artistic director at The Public Theatre, she works directly with co-worker and artistic director, Christopher Schario. Schario also happens to be her husband and father to daughter, Emily.

“When we are in rehearsal mode, we know that the other person is consumed by this,” said Mitchko, who manages to find a keen balance between family life and work life with her husband.

“It may be a long day, since we rehearse for eight hours, but I may end the day by going to Emily’s concert or walking the dog,” said Mitchko. “I also enjoy gardening, going to my daughter’s softball games, or reading – usually plays.”

While admitting that every production she’s involved in is “an adventure,” Mitchko is proof that the roles of actress, mother and wife play well on the stage here in Maine.

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