Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among forever DMs who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is planned for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are countless online tutorials on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute face-to-face interaction together with fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in the same boat and seek to level up their game,” stated the program's dean.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can select options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, depending on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of training spread over a weekend.

“The classes are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the following week and put into practice in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Professional development features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the formal instruction and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier includes an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to evaluate any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. May I present a situation for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the debut workshop will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a single year, in various locations, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”