Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

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

“There are countless online tutorials on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and other game masters often in comparable situations and also want to improve their skills,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes eight hours of classwork split over a weekend.

“The classes are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the following week and implement in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are instructed by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Career building presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with specific goals.

“Some of them plan to create their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 gold tier provides access to a opening gathering, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I think the structured learning and the practical exercises 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 premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to assess any element is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scenario for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we do this regularly,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with large gatherings.”