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

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs lead fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is planned for early January 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch countless online tutorials on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your peers often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Game masters can select packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of training divided across two days.

“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.

“Some of them plan to create their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, others aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to run a game for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to review any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we host such events frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been really terrific. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with major events.”