Character and Show Images

From the start of the show I've always found it is very important that the actors have visuals from the start that they can identify with and help bring life to a character. There are several images here that I would give my actors. I would show Arnold the map of Russia and the location of Moscow, so his character fully understands how far away and in what part of the world his true "dream" location is among other things like the charcole briquettes and a box of 1980s ( depending on the exact time of the show, I choose 1983 since that is when it was first published and put on stage) which from the start is a key in his character showing his lack of understanding others. I would show Norman the keys, and how many would be on the key chain, it is a comfort prop for Norman, he is constantly dangling them and holding them because they make him feel secure, like he'll never be locked out of any situation because of his Keys and as the show progresses the Keys play an even more important role. I would also show the picture of the jolly fat man with the doughnut because that is what I expect from Norman, when he has doughnuts he is a happy man and the one thing on his mind is the delious doughnut and his worries for the day fly out the window. then there are just simple things like for Barry , I would show pictures of golfing lessons, or Golf pros in action because this is the only thing barry is ever interested in and with the Spiderman tie that shows that he may look like an adult but even in court he will show his true kindness like a child would however in the most powerful monologue in the entire show this character wears a spiderman tie with his head up as a 40 year old man. Lastly I would show the entire cast pictures of real people with Downsyndrome , schizophrenia , and othern illnesses to get an idea about how these people look and act as well as photos from New England Summers in the 1980s , the landscape is very important because of the colors and amazing views , I think it captures the idea of the show that you can't simple judge based on looks because I've never seen New England as a state of beauty until I researched its location and its true nature that surronds the state itself. I believe it would also be important for the characters to see how other people have protrayed the characters that they are trying to bring to life, so I would show a picture of other actors and also picutres of my ideas for a set so as we go through a rehearsal that have a great idea of how it will really be come opening night.