Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the planners began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is scheduled for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience together with fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
Game masters can select packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:
- Skill Building: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
- Worldbuilding: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Career Building: Designed for DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.
Every class includes two days of instruction split over 48 hours.
“The courses are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your local game.”
Seasoned Educators
The majority of workshops are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the craft of setting creation.
Professional development features several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.
“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Advanced Options
A $1.5K enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.
“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I think the structured learning and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The $2.5K premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and instruction.
“The goal is for the teacher to assess any element is concerned with: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and information on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Responses from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we do this very often,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”