Keith Baker and Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The first session is planned for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters often in the same boat and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can select options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of training divided across 48 hours.

“The workshops are designed so that you depart having tangible results, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

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

Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to attendees with specific goals.

“Certain participants plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, some of them aim to release and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I think it would be fantastic to be able to do this in collaboration with big conventions.”