Monte Cook and Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to address these questions, which led to the founding of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” noted Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who aim to explore more about the roleplaying business.

All workshops includes eight hours of classwork split over two days.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the next week and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Professional development includes multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Various attendees want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the most effective utilization of everybody’s time – In my opinion the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The purpose is for the teacher to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and information on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to three days, or testing different seminar structures.

“I expect that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with large gatherings.”