Einzelprobe

Einzelprobe is a rehearsal in which one performer or a small subset of performers work on a portion of a production without the full company present. The term is commonly used in German-speaking theatre, opera, and concert practice to denote a targeted practice session separate from larger ensemble rehearsals.

During an Einzelprobe, the focus is on the specific part or scene being rehearsed. A singer or instrumentalist may work with a pianist or répétiteur, addressing musical issues such as intonation, rhythm, phrasing, and diction, as well as choreography or blocking relevant to the performer’s role. A conductor or music director may attend to provide guidance, but the objective is to refine the individual part before integrating it with others.

Einzelproben are typically scheduled between broader rehearsals and serve as a preparatory step before chamber rehearsals (Kammerproben) or full ensemble work (Generalprobe). They allow performers to tackle technical difficulties, language challenges, or staging cues in a focused setting, reducing the load during later, more complex sessions.

Related concepts include Korrepetition, a singer’s rehearsal with a répétiteur, and Kammerprobe, a rehearsal with a small ensemble. In practice, Einzelproben help ensure that individual parts are accurate and musically coherent, facilitating smoother integration into the complete performance.