About Behind the Screen

Whether you’re a Dungeon Master, a tabletop roleplaying enthusiast, or someone curious about getting started, welcome!

Behind the Screen is a place to explore the craft of running games through the eyes of a designer, educator, and lifelong learner. Here, we talk about preparing sessions, building worlds, telling stories together, and finding ways to enjoy the process without getting lost in overthinking.

Hi, I'm Chris

I’m a university educator, game designer, and professional DM based in New York City. My teaching focuses on game design, narrative design, and digital storytelling. I’ve also worked with the American Museum of Natural History to help bring games into education and visitor outreach.

I started Behind the Screen to share what I’ve learned at the table and in the classroom. I believe creativity benefits from structure, but that structure should help you explore your ideas, not make you feel like you’re doing it wrong.

My book, Behind the Screen: A Dungeon Master’s Guide to Crafting Campaigns, brings those ideas together in a practical guide for DMs who want to build confidence and get their campaigns to the table.

Read Behind the Screen on Substack