Bob Mangialardi

Bob was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music in vocal performance from Illinois State University and did doctoral work at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Bob has performed throughout the Midwest with companies such as the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Opera Theater, Sunshine Theater, Fireside Theater, Illinois Voices Theater, The Barn Theater and, of course, Prairie Fire Theatre. He’s also done television commercials for companies such as Amtrak and Black’s Hardware Company. In 1998, Bob founded Prairie Fire Theatre, which has now produced over 105 shows including children’s operas, Broadway-style musicals, light operas, and concerts. Bob is “semi-retired” from Illinois Wesleyan University where he still teaches voice part-time. While at IWU, Bob taught opera production and directed many student operas including The Elixir of Love, Don Giovanni, Iolanthe, Gianni Schicchi, The Magic Flute, The Beautiful Bridegroom, and Too Many Sopranos. Prior to beginning his career at Illinois Wesleyan University, Mr. Mangialardi directed and taught voice for 14 years at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Bob is married to Mindy (PFT business manager). They have three adult children, Nick (and his wife, Eriko), Sam, and Gaby, who live in Washington, DC, Reno, NV, and Peoria, respectively.