About Class Act Theatre Company

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.

Winners of the 2025 National NODA President’s Cup

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“The most stunning performance of Midsummer Nights Dream, just incredible!”

— Graham Liverton, NODA President 2024-2025

A Midsummer Nights Dream - Nationally Outstanding

We’re thrilled to share that our recent production of ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ was awarded a National NODA Award - The President’s Award!

Former NODA President Graham Liverton travelled over 36,000 miles and saw over 150 shows. We are so honoured that he picked us and our production for his award.

Receiving this national recognition is a huge honour, celebrating Class Act Theatre Company’s creativity, dedication and community spirit.

Want to get involved with in this National Award Recognised Group? Contact us to explore your passion for community theatre:

Get In Contact

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.

Class Act Theatre Company Productions

If you are curious about what sort of shows we put on, you can explore what production we are currently working towards, as well as all of our previous productions here.

Productions

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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Director

Louise is the Director of Class Act Theatre Company and Principal Tutor of Class Act School of Acting. She loves finding brand new plays and exploring classics but her great passion is the work of Shakespeare - she enjoys exploring his plays from a staging and storytelling perspective and bringing his works to new audiences and actors. Directing community theatre has become her personal passion, allowing her to bring people together and support their artistic journey from first rehearsal to final bow. At Class Act Theatre Company, she has built lasting friendships, and is never happier than watching the people she loves shine onstage. Louise works full time as a LAMDA Acting and Public Speaking Coach both privately and in an independent school in Monmouthshire.

Louise Best

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LAMDA Teacher/Social Media Manager

Ryan has had a passion for performing from a young age. He joined Class Act in 2021, first performing in Romeo and Juliet, and later moving up to the adult group and performing in Shakespeare in Love. He has made so many connections, and enjoys nothing more than performing on stage alongside them. Ryan has since gone on to work alongside Louise, teaching the Young Actors Academy and is now undergoing training to become a LAMDA teacher. Ryan also manages our website and our social media presence, helping promote our company. Alongside Class Act, he is currently studying a Theatre and Drama degree at the University of South Wales.

Ryan Gluyas

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LAMDA Teacher

Dan is a passionate and experienced drama practitioner who graduated with a Drama degree from the University of Gloucestershire in 2019. Since then, he has built a strong foundation in teaching becoming a qualified teacher with over five years of experience - and many more in the world of performance and theatre. Dan specialises in delivering LAMDA tuition at Class Act, preparing students for exams. He has an exceptional love for performing arts and a commitment to helping young people grow in confidence, creativity and communication. Dan brings energy and expertise to every class, making him a valued member of the Class Act team.

Dan Thomas-Williamson

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Production Manager

Tom joined Class Act after moving to Chepstow a few years ago. He quickly became an integral member of the company both on stage and off. As our production manager, Tom uses his skills as a professional design engineer to design and build our sets, often while also performing on stage.

Tom James Fantom

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Creative Designer

Louise is a veteran of Class Act. With close ties to Director Louise Best, she has always been there to help beautify Class Act shows with her unique and wonderful set and costume design ideas. Louise is also the Creative Director of the Musical Theatre group, and our sister company, ‘Perform Chepstow’.