Keith Baker along with Keith Baker Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master Academy
Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs run Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the planners began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” stated the program's dean.
Course Offerings and Cost Levels
DMs can select tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Covers the basics of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
- Universe Design: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.
Every class includes two days of training divided across two days.
“The classes are structured so that you depart having usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your local game.”
Expert Instructors
Most classes are instructed by two professors. Setting design is guided by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Industry advancement presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is designed to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.
“Certain participants plan to create their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, What's the path to be a DM at something like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Premium Packages
A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with an instructor. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.
“You could almost run an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar top package provides an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to lead a session for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and coaching.
“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate whatever the DM is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I feel stuck in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and get feedback on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl detailed. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been building.”
Next Steps
Feedback from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or testing alternative workshop formats.
“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in different cities, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”
