The Venue Operations eXperience (VOX) program is a 4-month workforce development initiative designed for individuals interested in careers within live entertainment venues. It offers hands-on training, paid internships, mentorship opportunities, and networking to help participants build skills in areas like digital marketing, event production, live sound, and venue operations.

The program is open to individuals 18 years or older from underrepresented groups in the live entertainment industry, including BIPOC, women, gender-expansive individuals, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. Applicants should have a passion for live entertainment and an interest in careers at indie venues.

Applicants need to submit their application materials during the open application period. The program uses a scoring rubric to assess candidates based on their potential in digital marketing, commitment to independent venues, willingness to learn, and ability to work collaboratively.

Applications for the summer 2026 VOX program open on January 22, 2026, and close on February 22, 2026. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

The VOX program offers:

• Interactive training sessions: 15 gamified workshops with an official NIVF certificate upon completion.

• Paid internships: 8-12 weeks at local indie venues.

• Mentorship: A personal mentor with industry experience.

• Networking opportunities: Connect with industry professionals.

Job board access: Exclusive access to NIVF’s job board for career opportunities.

INSERT HOST VENUES/CITIES HERE

Applicants are assessed using a scoring rubric that evaluates:

• Interest and potential in digital marketing or event production for independent venues.

• Commitment to working in indie venues.

• Willingness to learn and explore new ideas.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Potential to add access and equity to the industry.

This criterion evaluates whether the applicant would bring diversity and equity to the industry. It prioritizes candidates who may not have had prior opportunities but demonstrate eagerness and potential.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed using our scoring rubric. If selected for an interview/callback, you will be notified by the email that you registered with to schedule your interview.

Yes, the VOX program includes a part-time paid internship at a local venue, lasting 8-12 weeks depending on the program focus. The pay rate is $20/hour for a guaranteed 12 hours/week in-venue work.

You will be paired with an experienced industry mentor who will guide you throughout the program, offering advice, support, and insights into the live entertainment industry.

Graduates of the VOX program have gone on to work jobs in multiple areas of live entertainment, including roles in digital marketing, event production, live sound, venue operations, and more. In fact, 86% of our most recent cohort (Summer 2026) went on to secure jobs in live entertainment following completion of the program.

Focus on showcasing your passion for live entertainment, your commitment to learning, and your ability to work collaboratively. Highlight any relevant experience or skills in digital marketing, event production, or venue operations.

The VOX program is designed to create equity and provide opportunities for individuals who may not have had prior experience in the industry. If you’re eager to learn and demonstrate potential, you can still be a strong candidate.

Applicant Review: February 23-March 13, 2026

Applicant Interviews/Callbacks: March 30-April 17, 2026

Applicants Confirmed & Notified of Status: April 20, 2026

Participant kickoff call: Wednesday, April 22nd, 3:30pm ET

Venue Host & Intern kickoff call: Monday, May 4th, 2026, 3:30pm ET

Participant check-in call: Monday, June 1, 2026, 3:30pm ET

Intro call with Mentors: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 3:00pm ET

Participant check-in call: Monday, August 3, 2026, 4:00pm ET

Resume/Career Workshop: August 12-14, 2026 (1 hour, exact date/time TBD)

Gamified Training Dates:

Venue Prerequisite Studies: May 4-May 18, 2026

Venue General Studies: May 18-June 1, 2026

Venue Specialty Studies: June 1-July 13, 2026

Internship Dates:

Internship in host venue (National VOX participants): June 1-August 3, 2026

Internship in host venue (TN VOX participants): June 1-August 31, 2026

Graduation:

Virtual National Graduation: Friday, August 14, 2026, 3:30pm ET

Virtual TN Graduation: Monday, August 31, 2026, 4:30pm ET

Yes. Please reach out to our Program Director, christy@nivf.org, for more information on how to obtain academic credit for your participation. Please include any information you may have from your relevant course/college on internship requirements in your inquiry.

Gamified training applies game-like elements (points, badges, leaderboards, challenges) to non-game learning activities to boost engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention, turning subjects into interactive experiences with instant feedback and rewards, leading to better performance and skill mastery. It's more engaging than traditional lectures, offering self-paced, fun ways to practice complex skills in realistic scenarios.

Learn more about gamification at 1huddle.co/gamification/