Class Act Theatre Company
We are a community theatre company, established in 2014 by Chepstow director Louise Best. The company is divided into two key sections:
Adult Community Dramatics (Class Act Drama)
Children’s Theatre School (Class Act Youth Drama)
WHO ARE WE
Our Mission is to provide the opportunity for all children and adults in Chepstow and the surrounding areas to learn about and take part in the Dramatic Arts. It is also to give the experience of taking part in live performance, working as a team, learning new skills and making friends. Finally, it is to invite anyone with an interest to take part without audition or previous experience.
“EMBRACING INDIVIDUALITY THROUGH PERFORMING ARTS REGARDLESS OF EXPERIENCE”
OUR SERVICES
CLASS ACT YOUTH DRAMA
About: School of Dramatic Arts striving to teach aspiring young actors a variety of skills
When and Where: Every Wednesday (Termly), 5pm-6pm @ Wyedean School
Prices: £100/12 Week Term
CLASS ACT DRAMA
About: A fun, friendly, enthusiastic group who enjoy putting on high quality productions
When and Where: Every Wednesday, 7pm-9pm @ Wyedean School
Prices: £20/month
LAMDA
MEET THE TEAM
Director
With a lifelong love for theatre, Louise found her place as a Director. 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 Best
Drama/LAMDA Teacher
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. Alongside Class Act, he is currently studying a Theatre and Drama degree at the University of South Wales.
Ryan Gluyas
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
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
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’.
Louise Pugh
Marketing
Megan is a new addition to Class Act Theatre Company but has swiftly established herself as a valuable member of the group. With a plentiful amount of experience marketing and promoting her previous theatre ventures, Megan has stepped up to help better promote and advertise our future projects.
Megan Davies
SOME WORDS FROM OUR MEMBERS…
“I might be an older group member… hang on, make that THE oldest member of Class Act, but I am actually still fairly new. I took early retirement two years ago and was keen to get back into performing for enjoyment and sheer escapism. Drama gives me an opportunity to challenge myself; overcoming backstage nerves, learning and remembering my lines (and the odd bit of choreography)! It’s great fun and I am astounded at the way a play comes together to give it ‘life’ in the final week of rehearsals. A director with vision and a talented bunch of actors is all that is required!” - Cathy Lewis
“Moving to Chepstow only a few years ago, I was looking for somewhere that combined my love for the theatre with a thriving social community. Joining Class Act, not really knowing anyone, I felt very welcome from day one and was immediately given opportunities both on and off the stage, taking on more challenging roles as time went by. Class Act offers so much and being there has allowed me to make lifelong friends, and to really enjoy, not just a great community theatre group, but a fantastic group of people.” - Tom Fantom