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

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in Britain and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from experts on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began developing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

Dungeon Masters can choose from options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork split over 48 hours.

“The classes are structured so that you depart having usable skills, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and apply in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement presents four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to deliver focused advice to students with specific goals.

“Some of them plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others want to publish and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we host such events very often,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a given year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I think it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”