Be A Show Host Tips

Elvira's alter ego, Cassandra Peterson, was born in Manhattan, Kansas and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cassandra remembers being mesmerized by Ann-Margret. "I always wanted to be a dancer, ever since I saw Ann-Margret in 'Viva Las Vegas'." Just days after graduating from high school, Cassandra fled to Vegas where, at the age of 17, she became the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history.

Cassandra's desire to emulate Ann-Margret led to an evening with the legendary Elvis Presley, who saw her perform and encouraged her to pursue a singing career. Off to Europe, Cassandra toured extensively as lead singer for an Italian rock band. Eventually settling in Rome, where she became fluent in Italian, Cassandra met renowned director, Federico Fellini, who cast her in his classic film, "Fellini's Roma".

Returning stateside, Cassandra formed her own nightclub review, "Mama's Boys", which toured the national club circuit. In the late 70's, she joined the satiric improvisational troupe, The Groundlings, which also produced such notables as Phil Hartman, Pee Wee Herman, Jon Lovitz and Julia Sweeney. There she honed her now renowned comedic skills as both a writer and performer.

Film and television appearances such as "Cheech And Chong's Next Movie", "Fantasy Island", "Happy Days" and "St. Elsewhere" followed, but Cassandra recalls, "I was your typical struggling actress. I went to every audition, took a million acting, dancing and singing lessons and spent years wondering where my next meal was coming from."

It was the fall of 1981, with the birth of her character, Elvira, that it all changed. While she has since played herself in many film and television shows including "Echo Park", "Alan Quartermain" and "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", Cassandra Peterson ultimately combines her numerous talents into an intriguing persona which has not only become a Halloween icon, but a "vamp" for all seasons.

See Elvira in "The Search for the Next Elvira" on Fox Network
 

BOB CORFF BIOGRAPHY

Bob Corff knows first-hand that what a person says is not as important as how it is said. As top vocal coach to thousands of such big-name stars as Vanessa Redgrave and Samuel L. Jackson, business leaders and public speakers, Corff has made a definite impact on their careers and their lives.

"Enriching your voice alters the way you feel about yourself and the way people respond to you," Corff says.

In an age which emphasizes personal development and competitiveness in the workplace, it surprises Corff how many public figures and business people are not aware of the importance of having an effective voice.

"In this society, many seem apologetic--their voices are high and they talk as if every statement is a question," Corff says. "This type of speech pattern denotes self-doubt." Corff says voice is the purest representation of a person, revealing levels of self-confidence, expectations and attitudes. He claims voice is one of the first and most powerful characteristics people respond to--a strong and self-assured voice commanding attention and respect.

Corff mastered his voice coaching techniques during a long-lived acting career. The actor/singer played lead roles in many acclaimed stage productions including Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and Danny Zuko in Broadway's production of "Grease."

Born in Reading, PA. to an encyclopedia salesman, Corff had no inherent ties to the entertainment industry. However, the family migrated west and Corff spent much of his childhood in California. Here he realized his calling to the stage, and like so many college-age students, started a rock-and-roll band. After one rehearsal in a friend's garage, "The Purple Gang" appeared at the grand opening of a local service station, which led to a contract with MGM records.

Soon thereafter, Corff studied theater and landed his first acting job as the lead in the Los Angeles production of "Hair"--a role he later played on Broadway. Corff has since starred in more than 103 episodes of "Everyday Show," and under contract to Universal Studios, played parts in many television series and movies such as: “McMillan & Wife", “The Bold Ones", and a movie of the week titled “Houston, We’ve Got a Problem.”

Bob starred in a Roger Corman cult classic film “Gasss.” He worked personally with Leonard Bernstein in “Mass.” That was one of the 3 plays Bob did at the prestigious Mark Taper Theatre in Los Angeles. Also, Brian Friel’s “Christal & Fox” and “The Dybbuk.”

Corff was 12 years into his acting career when the 1980's actor's strike hit. While his co-workers remained unemployed, Corff embarked upon a new venture. When a friend asked him to teach her to sing, he had no idea he was to become a prominent and much-sought-after vocal coach. Word of Corff's coaching talents spread quickly and his student roster flourished. Corff now has an extensive and impressive client list which includes Sally Field, Elijah Wood, Jennifer Aniston, Antonio Bandaras and others.

Corff enjoys working with film and recording stars because they know exactly why they are in his studio.

"They have a job to do and they use me to do it, Corff says. Corff's clients are his most powerful advocates. By making them more marketable in the work force, he incites a positive transformation in their world.

Corff hopes that someday more people will learn the value of having a good voice. He feels that developing an effective voice is as important as developing a toned and healthy body. So corporate leaders, business professionals, performers and politicians, listen carefully, watch the lips and repeat..."The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain."

Watch for the Interview with Bob Corff Labor Day Weekend!

View Bob Corff's Amazing Celebrity Students