One who's learned independently about tuition regularly played a dramatic role (10)

I believe the answer is:

autodidact

'one who's learned independently' is the definition.
(autodidacts are self-taught people)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for autodidact that I've seen before include "Self-taught person" , "one not needing coach" , "Someone self-taught" , "learner without instructor" , "Self-reliant learner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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