Have to Believe We Are Magic

by Sara Guerrero

What is magic? Are we magic? And if so, how do we hold it? In this part biographical, part magic, love letter to a Pocha-Chicana-Latina, coming-of-age time of roller-skating, family, friendships, sex, love, abortion, self-discoveries, how does one keep and find their magic? –all under the shadow of "The Magic Kingdom," (or “The Tragic Kingdom”) in central Orange County, California in the summer of 1994.

What is magic? Are we magic? And if so, how do we hold it? In this part biographical, part magic, love letter to a Pocha-Chicana-Latina, coming-of-age time of roller-skating, family, friendships, sex, love, abortion, self-discoveries, how does one keep and find their magic? –all under the shadow of "The Magic Kingdom," (or “The Tragic Kingdom”) in central Orange County, California in the summer of 1994.

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Have to Believe We Are Magic

Recommended by

  • Gretchen Suarez-Pena: Have to Believe We Are Magic by Sara Guerrero
    “

    This show is all magic. I had the joy of reading this for 46th BAPF and I'm so glad it was a finalist! It made me think of all the amazing ways we can tell stories on stage. Heartbreaking and real but also incredibly fun. Plus roller skates for the win!

    This show is all magic. I had the joy of reading this for 46th BAPF and I'm so glad it was a finalist! It made me think of all the amazing ways we can tell stories on stage. Heartbreaking and real but also incredibly fun. Plus roller skates for the win!

    ”
  • Quinn Gilchrist: Have to Believe We Are Magic by Sara Guerrero
    “

    LOVED IT! Fun and heavy read. Busy but balanced. A powerful story about female relationships and how powerful and important those can be.

    LOVED IT! Fun and heavy read. Busy but balanced. A powerful story about female relationships and how powerful and important those can be.

    ”
  • Elana Gartner: Have to Believe We Are Magic by Sara Guerrero
    “

    This play is a painful, truthful and fun examination of complicated family dynamics around secrets. What is it to survive under the challenges that a pregnant young woman faces while simultaneously trying to keep her youth? How can she not end up like her sister? How can she not disappoint her mother? Most of all, how can she not disappoint herself? Guerrero is masterful at creating a fun protagonist who the audience will desperately want to win the day.

    This play is a painful, truthful and fun examination of complicated family dynamics around secrets. What is it to survive under the challenges that a pregnant young woman faces while simultaneously trying to keep her youth? How can she not end up like her sister? How can she not disappoint her mother? Most of all, how can she not disappoint herself? Guerrero is masterful at creating a fun protagonist who the audience will desperately want to win the day.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Teatro Viva's Austin Latinx New Play Festival, 2021
  • Workshop, Tu y Yo Theatre / California State University, San Marcus Project , 2021
  • Workshop, Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble , 2020

Awards

  • Judith Royer Excellence in Playwriting Award
    Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • SWEET SIXTEEN Panndora’s Box New Works Festival
    Panndora Productions
    Selection
    2022
  • 46th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival.
    Playwrights Foundation
    Finalist
    2023
  • Have to Believe We are Magic
    Teatro Vivo's Latinx New Plays Festival
    Selection
    2021
  • Have to Believe We are Magic
    Women's Theater Festival Occupy
    Selection
    2022
  • Have To Believe We are Magic
    OC Centric
    Finalist
    2022