Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Teaching Sessions at DMU

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in England and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience alongside peers in game mastering, where direct communication with expert teachers and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and seek to enhance their abilities,” explained the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for options ranging from $995 to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Every class includes two days of classwork spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are designed so that you depart having usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your local game.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Career building presents four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to deliver focused advice to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish 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 $1.5K gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scenario for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to a longer period, or experimenting with different seminar structures.

“I hope that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to do this in collaboration with large gatherings.”