Refers to a person who performs traditional or popular entertainment (演芸), such as rakugo, manzai, or variety acts. Not typically used for actors or musicians in modern contexts.
He is an entertainer who performs at yose (vaudeville theaters).
Young entertainers are gaining popularity on TV.
演芸 refers to the entertainment itself (performances, acts), whereas 演芸人 is the person who performs it.
Compound of 演芸 (entertainment, performance) + 人 (person). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for occupational nouns.