Stage (5)
(Other definitions for actor that I've seen before include "Croat (anag.)" , "Theatrical player" , "Cruise maybe" , "One in a play" , "Cruise, e.g." .)
'stage' is the definition.
(both can mean a part or period of something)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for phase that I've seen before include "Period or stage in a process of change" , "Period within process" , "stage in process of development" , "Shape into stage" , "A particular point in the time of a cycle" .)
'stage' is the definition.
(as in a step or stage of a process)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Pace; foothold" , "Action of the leg" , "Gradation" , "Bit of mashed potato maybe" , "Footfall" .)
'stage' is the definition.
(I know that stage can be written as degree)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for degree that I've seen before include "Graduate's qualification" , "an award at Edinburgh, maybe" , "Amount - graduation award" , "Angular unit and college award" , "Award given to a college graduate" .)
'stage' is the definition.
(a leg is a stage of a competition)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for leg that I've seen before include "Projecting support for chair or table" , "Stage (of race)" , "Lower limb" , "Run < on" , "Member" .)