Crossword Genius

Not connected with a stage role (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apart

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not connected' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a stage role' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'role' could be 'part' (eg a part or role in a film) and 'part' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apart that I've seen before include "Separated or at a distance" , "Separate in a trap" , "divorced" , "aloof" , "No longer living together" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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