noun
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.
彼は寄席で活躍する演芸人だ。
He is an entertainer who performs at yose (vaudeville theaters).
若手の演芸人がテレビで人気を集めている。
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.