What are the best ways to use scent to engage your audience?

1 Why scent matters

Scent is not only a sensory stimulus, but also a form of communication. It can convey information, mood, and atmosphere that words and visuals alone cannot. Scent can also trigger emotional and cognitive responses that influence how the audience perceives and remembers the play. For example, a pleasant scent can make the audience feel more relaxed and positive, while a foul or unfamiliar scent can create tension and curiosity.

2 How to choose scents

The first step to using scent in your production is to choose scents that match the theme, genre, and setting of your play. Think about what scents would be present in the time and place of the story, as well as what scents would reflect the characters, emotions, and conflicts. For example, if your play is set in a bakery, you might use scents of bread, pastries, and coffee to create a cozy and appetizing atmosphere. If your play is a thriller, you might use scents of smoke, blood, and metal to create a sense of danger and suspense.

3 How to deliver scents

The next step is to decide how to deliver the scents to the audience. Depending on your budget, technical capabilities, and desired effect, there are various methods and devices you can use. Diffusers, for example, vaporize essential oils or fragrance oils and disperse them into the air. They can be placed near the stage or audience, and controlled manually or remotely. However, they may not cover a large area or produce a strong scent. Sprays are also an option; they contain liquid scents that can be sprayed into the air or onto surfaces, creating a more direct and intense scent experience. But sprays can also be noisy, messy, and wasteful. Lastly, scented objects such as candles, flowers, herbs, food, or fabrics can be incorporated into the props, costumes, or set design to add realism and detail to the scene. Nevertheless, scented objects may not be noticeable or accessible to the entire audience.

4 How to time scents

The final step is to decide when and how often to use scents in your production. You should use scents strategically and sparingly, so that they don't overpower the audience, but rather enhance and complement the action and dialogue. Additionally, you want to use scents in sync with the plot and mood, creating a coherent narrative. For instance, you could use scents to introduce a new scene or location, highlight a key moment or event, transition between different scenes or acts, or end the play on a memorable note. By using scents strategically, you can create an immersive experience for your audience.

5 Examples of scent in theatre

To give you some inspiration, here are some examples of how scent has been used in theatre. Macbeth, a production by Punchdrunk, invited the audience to explore a multi-sensory environment that included scents of earth, wood, smoke, and blood to create a dark and immersive experience. Scent of a Woman, a musical adaptation of the film, provided scratch-and-sniff cards with scents related to the scenes to create a fun and interactive experience. The Encounter, a solo show by Simon McBurney, gave the audience headphones that transmitted binaural sound and scents of rainforest, fire, and sweat to create a realistic and intimate adventure.

6 Tips and tricks

Using scent in your production can be a great way to engage your audience and create an immersive theatrical experience. To make the most of scent, it's important to do research on the scents you want to use and test them on yourself and others first. Be careful not to mix too many scents or use them too often, as this can be confusing or overwhelming. Experiment with different scents and methods, but always be respectful and ethical. Do not use scents that are offensive, harmful, or invasive, and always inform and get consent from the audience and actors before using scents in your production. With these tips in mind, you can use scent in your production to great effect!

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?