Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began designing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters often in a similar position and aim to improve their skills,” stated the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Game masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The workshops are designed so that you leave with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Some of them plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to lead a session for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to review whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Input from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I hope that we do this very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in conjunction with big conventions.”