Set up a steamer basket in a pot that has a few inches of simmering water. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the steamer basket. Put the lid on the pot and steam the sweet potatoes for about 7 minutes. They should be completely tender once they've finished cooking. Arrange the sweet potato cubes on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Place a few spoonfuls of water in the bottom of the dish and put it in the microwave. Heat the sweet potato cubes for 2 to 3 minutes. Check the cubes to see if they're tender. If not, heat them for another minute or two until they're soft.Use caution when removing the dish from the microwave since it will be hot.

Summary: Steam the sweet potato. Microwave the cubes.


Having an agent isn't strictly necessary to land roles, but an agent’s sole job is to help you find work, and this can facilitate you finding your first few gigs. Check online to see if there are agents in your area taking on new clients. Just be careful about the agency you join. Agents make money when they find gigs for clients, so don’t accept help from someone who wants a membership fee. Extras are the background actors in movies, so they don’t usually have speaking parts. However, it’s sometimes a paying gig and it can get you exposure, and there are famous actors out there who were discovered while working as extras. To find work as an extra, check publications, casting calls, newspapers, and the internet to see if there are any nearby movies being filmed that require help. If you live in a smaller town rather than a major movie production hub, there's always a chance that your city will be chosen as the filming location for a big movie. Otherwise, look for art houses, colleges, and other production studios nearby that might require actors from time to time, and audition any time there's an opportunity.  To find out about possible roles, check local and community papers, bulletins, theaters, and colleges.  If a large production does happen to be filming in your city, contact the casting company to ask about auditions for parts or extras. Auditions are tough and nerve-racking, but unless you're a big-name actor, it’s usually the only way you'll get a part. Like everything, auditions take practice, and the more you do, the easier it will be to make a good impression when you're auditioning for bigger roles.  Audition for any role you can, no matter how small the part or how low-budget the film. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the part—audition practice is invaluable, and the role could end up being a good opportunity. When you go for the audition be prepared by knowing your lines, scenes, the basic storyline, and the character you're playing. When you're first getting started in the acting industry and haven't yet made any sort of name for yourself, you need all the exposure you can get. This means taking on any acting job you can get, no matter how silly, low-budget, or unsuccessful the movie is. The more auditions you do the more roles you'll get, and the more parts you have, the more likely it is that you'll get noticed and be given more opportunities as an actor.

Summary: Get yourself an agent. Get work as an extra. Look for films shooting in your area. Audition for everything you can. Accept any role you're offered.


Consider what the stencil is to be used for--say, a small decoration on a box or a pattern for use on your walls. How will your use of the stencil influence the design you can use?  Here are a few specific points to consider:  Don't use paper. Determine what size of stencil you need. If the stencil is going to be large, it is okay to include small details. If the stencil is going to be small, a simpler design should be used. Know how many colors you want to include in the stenciled image. You can use multiple stencils and each will be used with its own layer of color. These factors will affect the amount of materials you need and the number of stencils you need to create. There are a variety of materials that are suitable as stencils, but you need to consider how much use the stencil will have (one time or many?) and the ease with which you can work with the material.  Cardboard or foam board are good for large, simple stencils on flat surfaces. Paper works for a single-use stencil on either flat or rounded surfaces. Poster board holds up better than paper and can be used on flat or slightly rounded surfaces. Plastic or clear acetate are good if creating reusable stencils for either flat or rounded surfaces. Frisket film, which is a clear film with a slightly sticky backing, is good for flat and rounded surfaces.
Summary: Think about your overall design plans. Choose the type of stencil material you want to use.