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Learn How to Dungeon Master! Running the Game - Dungeons & Dragons

New class
Ages 11-16
Live Group Course
This course introduces you to the art and science of running a tabletop roleplaying game. Develop essential DM skills including storytelling, improvisation, and player engagement while learning to create unforgettable gaming experiences!
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(63 reviews)
Popular
Rising Star

Live video meetings
1x per week, 8 weeks
3-6 learners per class
60 min

What's included

8 live meetings
8 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per week
Assessment
included

Class Experience

Beginner - Advanced Level
Learn to Be a Dungeon Master: Advanced D&D Game Running Course (Ages 11-16)

Transform from player to Dungeon Master in this comprehensive workshop designed for intermediate D&D enthusiasts! Master the art of running engaging tabletop roleplaying games through hands-on training in storytelling, game mechanics, and group leadership. Perfect for teens who want to take their D&D experience to the next level.

Course Overview:
• Weekly interactive seminars
• Hands-on DM practice sessions
• Take-home preparation assignments
• Digital tool training
• Practical storytelling exercises
• Game management techniques
• Leadership skill development

Essential DM Skills You'll Master:
• Advanced D&D rules and fair adjudication
• World-building and campaign creation
• NPC development and roleplaying
• Combat encounter balancing
• Story arc development
• Digital mapping and virtual tabletop use
• Group management techniques

Learning Modules Include:
• Mastering the Dungeon Master's Guide
• Creating compelling fantasy worlds
• Designing balanced encounters
• Managing player expectations
• Improvising narrative elements
• Using digital D&D tools effectively
• Handling challenging player situations

Practical Applications:
• Weekly DMing exercises
• NPC creation workshops
• Combat encounter design
• Story development practice
• Digital tool tutorials
• Group management scenarios
• Improvisation challenges

Perfect For Students Who:
• Have played D&D but want to DM
• Love creating fantasy stories
• Enjoy leading group activities
• Want to improve public speaking
• Like using digital gaming tools
• Are interested in game design
• Want to run their own campaigns

Skills Development:
• Leadership and group management
• Creative storytelling
• Strategic planning
• Public speaking
• Digital tool proficiency
• Problem-solving
• Improvisation

Weekly Structure:
• Interactive lesson component
• Hands-on practice sessions
• Take-home preparations
• Digital tool training
• Storytelling exercises
• Group feedback sessions
• Progress tracking

Educational Benefits:
• Enhanced leadership abilities
• Improved narrative skills
• Strategic thinking development
• Public speaking practice
• Digital literacy advancement
• Creative writing enhancement
• Conflict resolution experience

Join us to master the art of Dungeon Mastering! This course bridges the gap between playing D&D and running your own epic campaigns. Ideal for teens who want to create unforgettable adventures and lead their own gaming groups.

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of D&D 5th Edition rules. All digital materials and resources provided.

Learning Goals

1. Develop the ability to create and run engaging, balanced, and enjoyable D&D sessions that cater to various player preferences and play styles.
2. Master the core rules of D&D 5e and learn to make fair, consistent rulings that enhance rather than hinder gameplay.

Syllabus

8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Dungeon Mastering
 • Role of the DM
  • Basic rules overview
  • Session preparation basics 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
NPC Creation and Roleplaying
 • Designing memorable characters
  • Improvisation techniques
  • Voice acting and character portrayal 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
NPC Creation and Roleplaying
 • Designing memorable characters
  • Improvisation techniques
  • Voice acting and character portrayal 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Encounter Design and Balancing
 • Creating challenging and fun combat scenarios
  • Balancing encounters for different party sizes and levels
  • Incorporating puzzles and skill challenges 
60 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Optional: The Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Player's handbook. A set of TTRPG dice set consisting of a d20, d12, d10, d8, d6, d4.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Offered by

Joined March, 2021
4.8
63reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of Calgary
Vicki Tran
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Wilfrid Laurier University
Karina Bray
Bachelor's Degree from University of Ottawa
Joel Castagner
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from University of Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Bachelor's Degree in Music from University of Western Ontario
Diana Alecu
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music
Nicole Demers
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of New Brunswick
Anthony McAffee
Associate's Degree in Computer Engineering from Polytechnique de Montreal
Philippe Lavoie
Associate's Degree in Music from The Royal Conservatory of Music Canada
Diana Alecu
Hi there! I'm Erik, a passionate artist, game designer, and storyteller with over a decade of professional animation experience and a lifelong dedication to tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. I specialize in crafting and leading epic campaigns, sharing the magic of collaborative storytelling with players of all ages.

As a game designer, I’ve published tabletop games and honed a strong understanding of creating rules, balancing mechanics, and fostering engaging, interactive experiences. Additionally, I bring a solid grasp of video game concepts and design principles, developed through years of exploring how storytelling, player choices, and world-building come to life in the digital gaming space.

In this class, I combine my skills as a Dungeon Master and game designer to guide students on an adventure where they’ll not only play D&D but also analyze its mechanics and storytelling elements. Together, we’ll explore how these concepts connect to game design more broadly—whether for tabletop games or video games—helping students develop creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork skills in a fun and inclusive environment.

Dungeons & Dragons is more than just a game to me; it's a tool for building confidence, enhancing communication, and sparking lifelong friendships. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned adventurer, I’m excited to lead you on this journey. Together, we’ll create unforgettable stories while learning foundational skills for future game design projects. Are you ready to get started on this adventure? Let’s roll the dice and see what unfolds!

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