A class activity for young adult students of English as a second language uses simplified versions of Shakespeare's familiar dramatic plots to promote student participation and use of second language skills. The students are provided with a list of characters, a synopsis of the story, a room with floor space, and a time frame in which to recreate the story by ad-libbing lines in contemporary English. Most performances consume 10 to 15 minutes of on-stage time but require much more preparation, from one class period to several weeks. The performances may be videotaped to facilitate production and provide motivation and reward. The teacher should resist the temptation to act as director or correct errors after the curtain has risen. The approach has been found to overcome student shyness and produce real communication between students. An outline of procedures and a synopsis of "Romeo and Juliet" are provided. (MSE)