In our roles as educators, how can we best engage and motivate our students and support them in their linguistic journeys? Donnery’s workshop demonstrated how the use of drama-based activities in the mixed-ability Japanese EFL classroom can meet with learner needs. Gunma JALT participants were encouraged to reflect upon their own teaching situations and enjoyed short, medium and long term drama activities that can be adapted into various educational environments. Attendees received various practical ideas on how to help the students empower themselves through easy-to-use drama techniques.