Four drama programmes for at-risk youth run by a community theatre formed the basis for a 9-month participant observation and interview study. This paper focuses on the concept of roles, using this as a lens to explore participants' experiences, and to suggest ways in which taking part in the programmes enabled young people to "be Other" in their lives outside the drama space. We consider the unwanted role, role playing through previous experiences, role as a protective mask, role playing that provides respite, role playing that removes fear of failure and the increased confidence in interactions that result. These themes are considered within a framework that unites sociocultural concepts with concepts drawn from drama theory. Role is seen as an important tool which young people can utilise to escape negative stereotyping and to re-engage with schooling and family.