Keith Baker and Keith Baker Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can opt for options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the basics of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes eight hours of classwork divided across 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Some of them aim to start their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 premium package includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to lead a session for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is focused on: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Input from the debut workshop will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to a longer period, or testing different seminar structures.

“I expect that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in collaboration with big conventions.”