Gruppenprobe

Gruppenprobe (plural Gruppenproben) is a rehearsal in which the entire group of performers—actors, singers, dancers, and musicians—rehearses together. The term is common in German-speaking theatre, opera, and music ensembles. A Gruppenprobe typically follows more focused Einzelproben (individual or small-group rehearsals) and centers on the interaction between parts, such as dialogue exchanges, musical cues, entrances and exits, blocking, and stage business. The aim is to integrate technical elements, refine timing, and develop ensemble cohesion.

During a Gruppenprobe the director or conductor reviews pacing, diction and expression in context, tests transitions between scenes, and coordinates movement with lighting, sound, and set pieces. It also provides an opportunity to adjust dynamics, balance, and acoustics for the audience’s perspective. In dance productions, Gruppenproben emphasize spatial relationships, synchronization, and group formations.

The term is sometimes used interchangeably with Ensembleprobe or Gesamtprobe in certain companies, but the exact meaning can vary. In some theatre or concert productions, a Gruppenprobe may be scheduled multiple times, interspersed with technical or costume rehearsals, until the final run-throughs. Outside theatre, similar group-rehearsal concepts are used in film or television productions for scenes featuring several actors together.

See also: Einzelprobe, Sitzprobe, Stellprobe, Klangprobe, Ensembleprobe.