THE PAIVA INSTITUTE - VOICE FORGE APPLICATION

Voice Forge is a free mentorship program created to support underrepresented voice actors who have faced systemic barriers, gatekeeping, or lack of access inthe voice over industry.

Voice Forge is intended to support voice actors who identify as part of communities that have historically experienced underrepresentation or systemic barriers within the voiceover industry.

Voice Forge is designed for people who are serious about building a professional voiceover career but may not yet have access to the mentorship, strategy, or industry guidance needed to move forward.

This program is not a class or casual learning experience. It is a focused mentorship built for artists who are ready to do the work and grow.

If that sounds like you, please complete the application below.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Voice Forge is a small, highly focused mentorship. We encourage you to take your time with this application and answer thoughtfully. The more clearly you share about your journey, your goals, and the barriers you’ve faced, the better we can understand how this mentorship might support you.

First name

Last name

Location (City, Country)

Website (If applicable)

Pronouns (optional)

Social Media Handles (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, etc.):

Your Journey

Be as honest and specific as possible.

Why are you interested in Voice Forge specifically?

What drew you to this mentorship, and what do you hope it will help you move forward in your voiceover career?

Barriers/Challenges

Voice Forge exists because access to this industry is not equal.

Please be specific about your experience.

Tell us about the obstacles you’ve experienced. This could include things like financial barriers, lack of access to mentorship, representation issues, geographic limitations, industry gatekeeping, or anything else that has made this path difficult.

Where do you currently feel stuck in your voiceover journey?

What areas do you feel you need the most guidance or clarity on right now?

Why should this mentorship invest in you right now?

Training/Building

Have you had formal voiceover training or mentorship before?

Yes

If yes, please describe the training or mentorship you’ve received. If not, please explain where you have been learning or developing your skills.

What steps have you already taken toward building a voiceover career? Examples might include: • classes or coaching • building a home studio • recording demos • auditioning • networking or conferences • self-directed learning

Commitment

Voice Forge is an active mentorship, not a drop-in program.

Participants are expected to attend scheduled meetings, stay engaged in the process, and follow through on agreed next steps between sessions.

Because space is limited, please confirm that you are able to prioritize this mentorship and commit to participating fully.

Please select one

Yes, I am prepared to make this commitment

No, I am not able to make this commitment

Final Question

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or your journey? This is your chance to share anything that wasn’t covered in the questions above.

Selection Process & Time Commitment

Due to the intensive nature of this mentorship, only six participants will be selected for each Voice Forge cycle.

Applications are reviewed based on authenticity of story, demonstrated commitment to building a voiceover career, barriers to access within the industry, openness to mentorship, and overall program fit.

Because the cohort is intentionally small, we are not able to accept every qualified applicant.

Applicants who are not selected are welcome to apply again in future Voice Forge cycles.

Disclaimer: This mentorship is offered at no cost. Participation is not guaranteed, and selection will be based on submitted materials, availability, and program fit.

I confirm that the information provided in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I understand submission does not guarantee acceptance into the Voice Forge mentorship program.

I confirm

Program Disclaimer

Voice Forge is a mentorship initiative created by The Paiva Institute to support underrepresented voice actors navigating barriers within the voiceover industry.

Participation in this mentorship program is not guaranteed, and submission of an application does not create any contractual relationship between applicants and The Paiva Institute.

Selections will be made at the sole discretion of the Voice Forge review team based on program fit, demonstrated commitment, and alignment with the goals of the mentorship.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Paiva Institute is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. Voice Forge welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

All applications will be reviewed based on the information provided, program alignment, and the goals of the mentorship.

Information Use & Privacy

By submitting this application, you agree that the information you provide may be reviewed by the Voice Forge selection team solely for the purpose of evaluating participation in the program.

Your information will not be sold or shared outside of the program review process.

Program Changes

The Paiva Institute reserves the right to modify program structure, scheduling, mentorship format, or program timelines if necessary to best support participants and mentors.