ABOUT CLASS ACT

A theatrical scene with five people, including a woman with a crown and leafy vines on her dress, a man lying on a red couch asleep, and others wearing crowns, set against dark background with red lighting.

WE STARTED SMALL

Class Act was started in 2014. After many years teaching drama to children and young people, Director Louise Best realised that there was also space in Chepstow for a drama group for adults, which was committed to high production standards and entertaining performances. For our first production, All That Jazz, there were only ten actors, all of them wondering what they had let themselves in for. Not only learning lines, they also had a complicated jazz dance for the big finale. Somehow they survived, the audience clapped and cheered, and Class Act was born.

Six people performing on a stage with a crescent moon and string lights in the background. The woman in the center is speaking, wearing plaid shirt and jeans. Others are listening, dressed casually.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Class Act, we offer:

  • Acting Coaching: Supportive, confidence-building sessions tailored for beginners and developing performers.

  • Theatre Skills Workshops: Practical, hands-on training in voice, movement, improvisation, stagecraft, and ensemble work.

  • Enriching Environment: A warm, inclusive community where creativity flourishes and friendships grow.

  • Opportunities to Perform & Create: From readings to full productions, with roles onstage and backstage.

  • Accessible to All: No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and passion.

Four women dressed in historical or costume clothing, seated or standing on a stage with a dark background, engaged in a theatrical play or performance.

WHAT WE STRIVE FOR

At Class Act, we believe theatre is for everyone. We strive to create a welcoming, supportive space where creativity flourishes, skills grow, and confidence shines.

Through acting coaching, theatre skills workshops, and inspiring productions, we nurture talent at every level.

Our goal is to enrich lives, build community, and celebrate the magic of storytelling together. No experience is ever necessary - just bring your curiosity, your passion, and your voice.

Colorful illustration of two stylized theatrical masks, one smiling and one sad, with watercolor splashes in the background. Text reads 'Class Act Youth Drama'.

Class Act Youth Drama

We are a theatre acting group for young, aspiring actors aged 10 to 17.

Each week students work on practical acting skills using techniques from a wide range of practitioners, improvisation, physical theatre and stagecraft.

Alongside workshops they rehearse a full play for performance. In recent years, students have performed Shakespeare, classic and modern plays. They usually will perform one full play and a monologue showcase every year.

Students also have an opportunity to take graded exams in acting with London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

There is no need for any previous acting experience, just an enthusiasm to learn and perform.

Three children performing on stage; a girl in a striped dress and black jacket striking a pose, a girl in a pink dress kneeling, and a boy in a leopard print coat watching carefully. The stage has black curtains with star-like lights and draped fabric overhead.
A woman dressed in a costume with black feathers, leaves, and a crown, sitting on a stage and looking down at a man lying on the floor. The man is in a suit with his eyes closed, with a relaxed or unconscious expression.
Two young women sitting on a wooden bench in front of a black curtain and green plants, engaged in a serious conversation.
Four young women on a stage, with one sitting on a bench reading from paper and three others leaning over a decorative black fence with white flowers, engaged in a theatrical performance.
Three young girls sitting on a red couch on a stage, wearing casual clothes and sunglasses, with a globe on a stand in the background.
Illustration of two stylized theatrical masks, one with a smiling face and the other with a sad face, over a multicolored watercolor splash background. Text reads 'Class Act Drama'.

Class Act Adult Drama

Class Act Drama was established to give adults the opportunity to perform in high quality community theatre, either those who wish to reignite a passion from their youth or try something completely new.

Each week we do technique workshops while rehearsing a play for performance. The group perform two plays a year across all genres. We have a reputation for high quality, entertaining productions and have received multiple NODA awards.

​We have performed plays ranging from Shakespeare to established classics and more modern works. Never shying away from trying a new genre, the group has established itself as a premier local community theatre group.

Anyone age 18+ is welcome, and there is no upper age limit. No experience is necessary just an enthusiasm to learn and perform.

Two men sitting on a wooden bench on a stage, sharing a lace umbrella. One is dressed in a light gray suit, the other in a colorful Hawaiian shirt. Theater decorations with bunting are overhead.
A theatrical performance featuring a man dressed as a pilot and a woman in a military-style uniform, both displaying expressive and animated gestures on stage with a painted scenic background and a bench.
A man and a woman on stage, with the woman kneeling and looking up at the man, who is bending forward and looking down at her, in a theatrical production with fog and stage scenery.
Three people on a stage performing a scene, with two sitting and holding hands and a third standing nearby.
Group of actors on stage dressed in period costumes, with one man in front holding a feather quill, seated at a table with a candle, performing in a theatrical play.
A theater scene with four women in historical costumes. Two women are standing and holding hands; the one on the left is wearing a bonnet and floral dress, holding a basket, and the one on the right is in a striped dress with a white apron. Two women are seated in the background on a wooden bench, wearing period dresses.

Previous Productions

If you are curious about what sort of shows we put on, you can explore all of our previous productions here.

Two women on stage in a theatrical performance, with a person sitting on steps in the background. The woman on the left has long blonde hair and is wearing a black sheer dress, while the woman on the right has blonde hair styled with a headband and is wearing a light-colored dress, appearing to be emotionally engaged in a conversation.