​Heather Dowling

“I learned that telling your story, with honesty and humor, really can make a difference for people,” Dowling said. “I was amazed at how many people loved the show because they could relate in ways I never expected. That’s what I had hoped for, but I was overwhelmed by the response.”

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As a first timer at the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival, Dowling had no idea what to expect. But when her show started selling out and generating buzz around the growing festival, she knew she had something special on her hands. The show won the Fringe Encore Producers’ Award and Dowling was one of only five performers nominated for Best in Solo Performance, out of more than 80 shows.

 

Thanks to her Fringe success, Unemployed. Finally. made it all the way to 42nd Street, New York City for United Solo - the largest solo festival in the world. Dowling was then honored with the invitation to perform her show in the 24th Annual LA Women's Theatre Festival in Spring 2017. Unemployed. Finally. was also a part of Cake Batter’s Funny Women Festival at iO West, the Spotlight Series at Theatre Unleashed in North Hollywood, and Whitefire Theatre’s 6th Annual Solofest – the largest solo-performance festival on the West Coast. And as a result of her success at Solofest, she was invited for 6-week run by Whitefire Theatre's Artistic Director, Bryan Rassmussen.

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“The sheer volume of carefully-constructed characters Heather plays is incredible,” said Kincaid Walker of ISeeTheFrog.com. “(She has) the bravery to expose her own foibles, lessons and eventual triumphs. It is in this last aspect that the audience can hopefully find the ability to laugh and gently reflect on their own ‘mistakes’ and life detours. And isn’t that the point of a great solo show?”

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