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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside peers in game mastering, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” stated the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

Game masters can choose from 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 a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of leading a game.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes eight hours of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the next week and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Professional development features multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is meant to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants aim to start their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package provides an extended personal consultation and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The goal is for the faculty member to assess whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”