Clark (Florida International U.) focuses on practical skills in this undergraduate text and reference, which includes exercises at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels for each topic. He briefly covers the essential elements of drama, including the three levels of conflict, turning point, and climax, then describes getting an idea for a play, planning and preparing the first draft, and getting the manuscript into a professional format. He describes plot, structure, characters' sociological, psychological and physical characteristics, character orchestration, dialogue and monologues, settings and other technical matters, genre and style, writing and rewriting, and opportunities for presentation in readings, contests, and other venues. He includes a sample course syllabus and information on outcomes and assessment for instructors. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)