about us - Fallen Chandelier Productions and Albany Lyric Opera

What makes FaCha different from all of the other studios/theater companies in our area is that all of our teachers are NYS certified music teachers, have Film and English degrees, are specialists in Media and Design and are Special Ed teachers to help our students with disabilities. Combined, we have 100 years of experience with all ages of students. Our goal is to make our students independent music readers, increase their self esteem, replace phones with faces during rehearsals and become kinder human beings. We do not just teach songs which you can do on your own, we teach you how to read music. You will not read about any of our staff members being on Broadway - but what you WILL see are seasoned veterans teachers of the Arts that accept ALL CHILDREN regardless of their disability. We also offer private vocal study where are students are achieving perfect scores at NYSSMA - and that includes All State!

There is no singing without acting. If you are just standing in one spot while you are singing, then we've got some work to do! When you sing, you are telling a story, so expect to have your songs choreographed while you learn them. It's hard work! You will feel really at home with our students. We do not tolerate any kind of bullying. This is a place where we support each other. We just dont meet on the stage - we get together for ice cream, movies and other events. We are especially partial to water guns!

When we take our students to the city to work with Broadway directors and cast members, we are still shocked to find out that many Broadway cast members have to hire a music director to teach them their music! We want all of our students to be independent by the time they are in tenth or eleventh grade. And if you look at our pictures, you will see us with the cast of Be More Chill on Broadway. with George Salazar and also with the cast of Hadestown. We visit NYC about four to five times a year to study with Broadway casts and staff at the Metropolitan Opera House. Our most recent visits included Hamilton (and a workshop with the cast), Wicked and Hadestown. We are about education - that is what we do! We have some great people on our staff, especially our sound engineer. We work with a state of the art sound system and lights - because there is nothing worse than not being seen and heard. Need to change the key is a song? Done! Need to take out an instrumental solo? Done. It is always about making the student sound the best that they can - as long as they put in the work at home.

In addition to being a music educator and administrator for 46 years, Ms. DelSignore is also a NYSSMA ALL STATE Adjudicator. You can also participate in our recitals throughout the year to show progression as an individual, as long as you do the work at home.

The most important part of your lesson and/or rehearsal is the time BETWEEN them. The work you do at home is a direct correlation as to how far you will progress. We are really serious about making you the best you can be!

Introducing Albany Lyric Opera!

Albany Lyric Opera
An initiative of Fallen Chandelier Productions

Fallen Chandelier Productions is proud to introduce Albany Lyric Opera, a new company dedicated to bringing opera to the heart of the Capital Region. For too long, singers and audiences in our area have had to travel to experience live opera or find serious training in the art form. Albany Lyric Opera was created to change that, building a home for opera right here in Albany where young singers can train, adult artists can perform, and our whole community can fall in love with this extraordinary art form.

Our Goals

Albany Lyric Opera is built on a simple belief: opera belongs to everyone. Our goals are to:

  • Give young singers ages 8–18 a place to discover opera, develop their voices, and perform in fully realized productions alongside experienced artists.

  • Create meaningful performance opportunities for adult singers in the Capital Region, so local talent can grow and shine close to home.

  • Offer workshops in Albany that open the doors of opera to singers, students, and curious newcomers alike.

  • Make opera accessible and welcoming to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, especially those experiencing it for the first time.

  • Grow a lasting opera tradition in the Capital Region that our community can be proud of for years to come.

Our Inaugural Season: La Bohème

We are thrilled to announce that Albany Lyric Opera will launch with Puccini’s La Bohème this June! A story of young artists, friendship, and love in Paris, La Bohème is one of the most beloved operas ever written and the perfect way to begin our journey together.

Our Leadership

Albany Lyric Opera is led by Executive Director Francesca DelSignore, founder of Fallen Chandelier Productions and a music educator with 47 years of experience; Artistic Director Shauna Siver of SLS Studios, whose opera-focused teaching has already inspired many of our young singers; Director Alexandra Hannafin; and Producer Alysia Plaza.

And the one-line version:

Albany Lyric Opera is led by Executive Director Francesca DelSignore, Artistic Director Shauna Siver, Director Alexandra Hannafin, and Producer Alysia Plaza.

Stay Tuned!

There’s so much more on the way, including an exciting new home for the company that we can’t wait to share. Watch this space for announcements on auditions, workshops, and performance dates.

Questions, or want to be the first to hear our news? Contact us at fachastage@gmail.com or (518) 526-4263.