Theatrical performers (8)
(Other definitions for artistes that I've seen before include "Professional entertainers, singers or dancers" , "Public performers" .)
'theatrical performers' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for actors that I've seen before include "Players on stage" , "The Gleeson boys, say" , "Thespians" , "Theatrical performers" , "They 23 down" .)