Crossword Genius

Stage performer provoked a stir and emptied theatre (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

artiste

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'stage performer' is the definition.
'artiste' can be an answer for 'performer' (artiste is a kind of performer). I am not certain of the 'stage' bit.

'provoked a stir and emptied theatre' is the wordplay.
'provoked' indicates anagramming the letters.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'emptied' means to remove the middle letters.
'theatre' with its centre taken out is 'te'.
'a'+'stir'='astir'
'astir' anagrammed gives 'artis'.
'artis'+'te'='ARTISTE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for artiste that I've seen before include "Professional performer" , "Entertainer, singer or dancer" , "Tears it (anag.)" , "Trouper" , "nightclub entertainer?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app