Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is scheduled for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs often in comparable situations and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes two days of classwork split over a weekend.

“The classes are created so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The aim is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. May I present a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to receive input and information on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Feedback from the first event will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be fantastic to be able to do this in partnership with big conventions.”