Keith Baker and Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among forever DMs who rarely get the chance to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the planners began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“There are thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience together with fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your peers likely in comparable situations and also want to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.
Workshop Options and Cost Levels
Dungeon Masters can opt for packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes a choice of four workshops:
- Foundational Skills: Covers the fundamentals of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
- Setting Creation: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
- Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.
Each course includes two days of training split over 48 hours.
“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, absorb insights from, and then go right back home the following week and apply in your home campaign.”
Expert Instructors
Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.
Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with specific goals.
“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and display their adventures with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Advanced Options
A $1,500 premium package includes access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.
“One could practically host an full two days just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – I believe the formal instruction and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The $2.5K platinum tier provides an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to manage an adventure for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and coaching.
“The goal is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Feedback from the first event will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to 72 hours, or testing alternative workshop formats.
“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with major events.”