Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master Academy
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run D&D games in historic castles in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction in the company of other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your peers who are probably in the same boat and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.
Workshop Options and Cost Levels
DMs can select tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:
- Skill Building: Focuses on the essentials of leading a game.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
- Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Career Building: Tailored to dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.
All workshops includes two days of classwork spread over 48 hours.
“The classes are structured so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your local game.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are instructed by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, both teaching the skill of universe design.
Industry advancement features multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.
“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.
“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2,500 premium option offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and guidance.
“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a situation for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Responses from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a given year, in various locations, and in various nations. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're quite pleased with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”
