Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and aim to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can choose from packages ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes eight hours of instruction split over two days.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with tangible results, probably greater confidence, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to students with particular aims.

“Some of them want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an extended personal consultation and the possibility to lead a session for several participants plus a teacher, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The aim is for the teacher to assess whichever aspect is interested in: I struggle with improvisation or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the debut workshop will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to a longer period, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in various locations, and in multiple countries. 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 conduct this in collaboration with major events.”