noun
stage performer; theatre person
Refers broadly to anyone who performs on stage, including actors, dancers, and other live performers. More inclusive than 俳優 (actor).
彼は長年舞台人として活躍してきた。
He has been active as a stage performer for many years.
舞台人を目指して、毎日稽古に励んでいる。
Aiming to become a stage performer, I devote myself to daily practice.
役者 also means actor, often with a nuance of traditional theatre or a more colloquial feel. 舞台人 is more neutral and inclusive.
Compound of 舞台 (stage) and 人 (person). The reading ぶたいじん follows standard on'yomi for both kanji.