Each year the challenge to build a better set for the OAP comes before the tech crew. With an entire book full of rules and limitations, the group has to get creative in producing the best set possible. This year’s play, set in Baghdad centuries ago, has them digging through tons of pictures and looking for just the right effect for the stage.

“When we found out about the Arabian set we were all lost,” tech crew member Guadalupe Rivas said. “We didn’t know  anything about the culture, but we are willing to work together to do it.”

The set, which is based on the 13th-century in the House of Wisdom, will have an ancient Arabian look.The whole set will be set in a library with many colors and ancient books that will add a more realistic look to the set.

“I hope that it looks historically accurate,” OAP director Jill Henson said. “I want the play to come to life.”

The tech crew, which consist of 15 students, will be reusing many old supplies and walls from previous plays. Throughout the past few weeks they have been doing a lot of research to learn and see what type of work has to be done.

“Building the set is just about as fun as acting in the play,” Rivas said. “I am especially eager to do this play; we’ve been researching so much.”

Henson said the sets generally get better each year.

“I’m really excited about building this set,” Henson said. “I hope it’s the best that we’ve ever had.”