Why Every Performer Needs Accolades (and How to Collect Them)

When I, Mr. Bill Berry, mentor up-and-coming performers, I often tell them, “You have to have accolades to grow as a professional.”

But what does that really mean?

Accolades aren’t just trophies or medals (though those help). They’re the stories, testimonials, and marks of credibility that prove you’re more than just someone who can do tricks—you’re a professional who can deliver value to audiences, clients, and event organizers again and again.

When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to think you don’t have much to show. But every time you step on stage, you’re building a track record. Every time someone tells you they loved the show, or that you made their event a success—you’re earning an accolade.

The key is: Collect them. Curate them. Document them.

One of the most important moments in my career came from this exact practice. Early on, Cruise Director Carly Boileau saw our show, loved it, and gave us one of the most important testimonials we’d ever receive:

“I didn’t know humans could be that talented.” – Carly Boileau, Royal Caribbean Cruise Director

That single review turned into over a year of continuous cruise ship work. I spent more than 365 days aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, traveling to places like Cozumel nearly 100 times. That’s how powerful a single piece of feedback can be—it can literally alter the course of your career.

The Power of Testimonials

Why do testimonials matter so much?

They build credibility – Before a client hires you, they want to know you’ve delivered for others.

They open doors – A well-placed review from someone respected in the industry can change everything.

They document your journey – Years from now, you’ll be able to look back and see just how far you’ve come.

They market for you – A happy client’s words are often more persuasive than your own.

So, every time you perform, ask for feedback. Don’t just let it disappear in the moment. Write it down, save the emails, grab the quotes. These become the foundation of your professional story.

Rootberry Accolades

Here’s a curated collection of the feedback Jonathan Root and I (as Rootberry) received over the years. These words helped shape our career, win contracts, and secure repeat bookings. They represent the real value of consistently asking for feedback and documenting success.

Cruise Industry

“I didn’t know humans could be that talented.”

– Carly Boileau, Royal Caribbean Cruise Director

“These guys are the Bomb. Two standing ovations in one night!”

– Carly Boileau, Cruise Director, Enchantment of the Seas

“You just received the highest rating you have ever got from NCL… very impressed, real strong show, very funny, very talented.”

– Paul Scally, Norwegian Cruise Line

“I saw your act on Enchantment of the Seas. You are fantastic, funny, and very entertaining! Clean, family-friendly comedy—exactly what the world needs more of.”

– Theresa Lynn Roberts

Colleges & Universities

“Our house manager said we had 650–700 people there last night. It was a huge success, and I loved working with Jon and Bill very much. We will have them back again.”

– Scott F. Simonds, Penn State University

“The kids loved Team Rootberry! We had one of the biggest turnouts to an event last night. Students kept talking about it the next day.”

– Cathye Riley, Warner Southern

“Team Rootberry was amazing… I would re-book them in a heartbeat!”

– Mark Brouwer, St. Joseph’s College

“They were AWESOME! Very polite, on time, super friendly. The perfect combo of funny, entertaining, and amazing skill. And they gave a life lesson about pursuing your dreams.”

– Keri Ellington, Franklin

“Bill and Jon did a GREAT job today in Cartersville! One of the largest crowds for that campus in three years. Despite the rain, they adapted like pros.”

– John S. Spranza, Georgia Highlands College

“Everything was wonderful as usual. Bill and Jonathan are always great to work with.”

– Kelly M. Austin, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Military & Special Events

“Let me tell you what a superb performance Team Rootberry gave onboard IWO. The crew was thoroughly impressed—not only by the show, but by the fact that both Bill and John went all over the ship talking to the crew and embarked Marines.”

– Robert Irelan, Commanding Officer, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

“Team Rootberry is welcome any time in GTMO!”

– Craig Basel, Guantanamo Bay

“Oh my gosh!!! I don’t have the words. The guys were fabulous! I was thinking it was going to be a show for the kids and wasn’t all that interested. I’m so glad I stayed!!! WOW!!”

– Laura Tavishati, Church Secretary

Audience Feedback

“I laughed until I hurt!”

– Jamie Beck, Western Carolina University

“Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!!! The show was great and they were extremely nice to work with!”

– Becky Bourque, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

“I love Root & Berry, they’re good performers, they’re great guys.”

– Penn Jillette

“Wow.”

– Kyle Dunnigan, Reno 911

“I hate to follow guys like you.”

– Bobby Lee, Mad TV

Final Thoughts

Accolades are the bridge between passion and profession. They turn a private talent into a public reputation. They tell your story in the voices of others, and those voices carry weight.

If you’re an aspiring performer, start now. Ask for feedback. Save the emails. Write down the quotes. Curate them into a living document of your journey.

Because one day, that single line—like Carly Boileau’s unforgettable words—might just change your entire career.