BEYOND - Unemployed. Finally.

For the first fifteen minutes of the expertly crafted one woman show “Unemployed. Finally …” Heather Dowling immediately has you laughing with her at her own life and the countless jobs she’s had along the way. With only a quick spin and a subtle lighting change, Dowling shifts seamlessly from one character to another – a daunting task considering there are over 30 jobs she lays down in front of us … each job carrying with it even more employers, co-workers, counselors, or drill sergeants. She paints a vivid, often hilarious picture and stays with these characters just long enough to make us feel like we truly have met and experienced them. And yet once the scene (and job) has run its course, we realize she has unapologetically ripped th... full review

The impossibly engaging Heather Dowling starts off on a traditional solo show track: A charming and hysterical storyteller spins out a winning tale stuffed full of funny and touching characters. But something else is going on here. And when she finally takes you to some of the darker, more touching moments, she kicks you right in the teeth. I think my favorite part is that there's a spoiler right in the title! You know where she's going, especially since you see her right in front of your very eyes living the life she's meant to live. And yet, my stomach was knotting up as I kept rooting for this woman to figure out her true calling. Heather somehow manages to build genuine suspense into a story you know the ending to. Genius! Well done, Hea... full review

Ever had a job you hate? Well, try having had 30+! Anyone who has endured horrible jobs, wacky coworkers, insane bosses, bad pay, and the 9-to-5 grind will identify with Heather Dowling in this hilarious one-woman show about bringing home the bacon -- and chasing an artistic dream. Dowling is a joy to watch. She lights up the stage, an energetic performer with a packed arsenal of voices and characters, all of whom feel plucked from real life. From maniacal Navy drill sergeants to absent-minded small town newspaper editors to dodgy gun-toting bar owners, she takes us along on the unconventional journey of employment that finally brought her to this theater in Hollywood. Be sure to pack a handkerchief or wipe an eye on your seatmate's sl... full review

Heather Dowling takes her audience on a journey of life's trials and tribulations and fills the room with laughter, candor, and emotion that could only come from true experiences. While the show is only one hour, you come to know Heather, and soon find yourself rooting for her -- all the way home. ... full review

A finely crafted piece of Solo Theatre, beautifully executed by a captivating performer! Heather takes us on a familiar journey- navigating the world of thankless odd-jobs, money-making schemes, "what was I thinking" career ventures, and my favorite chapter, the Navy! Even knowing that she makes it out, I found myself on the tip of my seat, hoping she would somehow catch a break! Heather shifts seamlessly between characters- her craft with this is beautiful to watch, clean and fascinating, and not quite like any other solo performer. This show is funny (but not vapid), important and memorable (but not heavy). A delightful afternoon at the theatre and a Fringe Must-See! ... full review

Heather, you made me smile! And laugh, and cry. You are such a wonderful performer. Weenie and Caroline cracked me up, and THOUGHT I had done a lot in my life, until I saw your play. lol! Great job! ... full review

Unemployed. Finally. Brillant. Engaging. Funny. Passionate. Inspiring and moving. All around a great show. Heather was captivating and each character came to life as she embodied the situations and conversations in a way that had me on the ride of my life. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to take a journey of their life through Heather's life. Funny and moving and I left the show amazed that an hour had passed by. And did I say it was funny? A must see.... full review

I found this show obviously funny but also inspiring. I was drawn to the idea of learning about all these different jobs she had, but later realized the show was more of an examination of our childhood dreams and their validity in the world. Heather's dream is to be an actress, which is fortunate for her because she performs well not only by playing herself but the many characters she meets along the way.... full review

Most actors stand at an arms distance. Few hold out their hand and pull you in tightly, wrapping their arms around you as they guide you through their storytelling. Heather Dowling not only gracefully succeeds in doing the latter, but does so with such heart-bearing honesty that you're sitting on the edge of every word she says and each character she performs, cheering her on. From brilliantly comedic to vulnerable, Heather leaves no corner of her life's ups and downs untouched. It takes great strength to listen to the voices inside your head, but even more to listen to the voice inside your heart. That journey took Heather around the country and to 30+ jobs to discover it, but she did. And now, she's here, in Hollywood, following her dre... full review

OMG so funny! So well written. Heather plays a zillion characters and is hilarious. She's personable and likable and human and, well, you just gotta see this show. I literally laughed and cried - I was moved and entertained. There's never a dull moment and I was engaged the whole time. She's a talented performer. ... full review