Problem: Article: Even if you don't have an agent and haven't heard from a studio yet, you can still begin to attend auditions by going to open calls. An open call is an audition that anyone can attend. Be prepared for there to be many people at open calls and to be seen for only a short amount of time. Even if it isn't very likely to book a role at an open call, it is still great practice and will help you get used to auditioning and start getting yourself seen by casting directors. To find open calls in your area, you can look at a website like backstage.com for listings. Since voice acting can be done simply with a microphone, you can even audition from home. There are different job listings online, such as the ones at voices.com. The online marketplace is changing the way casting occurs, and auditioning online is a great option when you don't live in a major acting city. Some say that the real work of an actor is auditioning. This is because acting is highly competitive. You will likely need to go on many auditions to book just one gig, and then as soon as you complete your job, you have to start auditioning all over again. Therefore, you must learn to embrace the audition process and go to as many as possible. This will keep you sharp and your voice in shape for when you do land a job. The more auditions you attend, the higher chance you have of being hired. Audition even for roles that you aren't sure you're right for. You never know what a casting director is looking for. Make sure your voice is warmed up and you are hydrated. Make sure you have prepared the script and know how you will read it. Some auditions consist of only saying one line, so it is important to know that you can nail it ahead of time. This will also help to ease your nerves in a stressful audition environment. Have other dialogue prepared besides the script in case casting directors want to see what else you can do. Try to get inside the character's head and to go beyond the words on the page. Who is this character? What is important to them? Why are they saying these words? It might help you to write down your ideas about a character to work through the important aspects of them. This will help you to bring the character to life. When attending an audition, punctuality is key. To ensure being on time, plan to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time. This will give you a chance to get settled and even go over your script. Even though looks aren't relevant for voice acting, your overall impression says a lot. Make sure to dress appropriately. Don't wear an old, raggedy t-shirt. You should look professional and keep in mind what character you are auditioning for. For example, if you're auditioning for a ninja, you don't need to wear a costume, but wearing a black button-down shirt would be a good way to interpret that role with professional clothing.
Summary: Attend an open call. Audition online. Audition as much as possible. Prepare ahead of time. Show up on time. Dress appropriately.

Problem: Article: Before touching the cheesecake, thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rinse your hands to remove the soap residue and dry them completely. Gently touch the surface of the center of the cheesecake with 1 or 2 fingers. Don't press too hard! You want to check the doneness in the middle of the cake, rather than near the edges. If the surface of the cheesecake has a little bit of give but feels firm, the cake is done. If your finger sinks into the cake or comes away with batter on it, the cake needs more time in the oven. Bake it for another 5 minutes before checking it again.
Summary: Wash and dry your hands. Use 1 finger to touch the center of the cheesecake. Look for a firm surface.

Problem: Article: Once you've found a pen you really like, get enough to last you awhile. Certain brands make their pens available by the bag, box or even case, perfect for people who are particular about what they use. Stockpiling pens will ensure that you have a constant supply, and save you the trouble of shopping for new pens regularly. Visit wholesale stores for deals on bulk packages of your favorite pens, or order them online. Older models of pens are frequently discontinued as new ones are released. If you're partial to a particular pen, buy up as many as you can in case they disappear from the market later on. Assuming you have a little money to spend, do some research on top-quality specialty pens. Companies like Platinum, Waterman and Montblanc manufacture pens using flawless designs and durable materials, so they're guaranteed to last longer, leak less and always perform at peak level. If you weigh your options carefully, you might never have to buy another pen again. Get a protective case to go along with an expensive pen to protect it from damage. No matter what kind of ink pen you end up going with, put it away somewhere room temperature and out of the way when you're not using it. Store spares or refills together with your pens in the same drawer or in a nearby supply stash. Make sure the caps are secured and the pens are laid flat or arranged in an upright container to cut down on the chances of a leak. Keep track of where you leave your pens so that you don't lose them. Check your pockets for pens before you wash and dry them. Forgetting a pen when you do the laundry is a surefire way to ruin your clothes.
Summary: Buy your favorite pens in bulk. Invest in a premium pen and ink. Store and maintain your pens properly.

Problem: Article: Use a plastic cutting surface to avoid contaminating a wooden cutting board. Brush the grill with cooking oil, and preheat it to a medium high temperature. Allow the grill to get thoroughly heated. Take care not to let the grill get too hot, or you'll end up with charred steak that's raw on the inside. Cook it for for approximately 4 minutes on the first side. Use tongs to flip them over after the first side has grill marks and has formed a brown crust. Grill the other side for an additional 4 minutes.
Summary:
Cut the steak into serving sized portions. Prepare the grill. Place the steaks on the grill surface. Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 minutes.