Deborah Ann Woll Transforms Historic Village into D&D Escape Room

Renowned Dungeon Master Deborah Ann Woll has taken her passion for Dungeons & Dragons to a groundbreaking level with her latest project, Tales From Woodcreek. This innovative series has transformed the historic village of Woodcreek into a fully immersive D&D escape room. The first episode premiered on October 31, 2023, on the Dungeon Dudes YouTube channel, with new episodes releasing every Friday at 18:00 Eastern Time.

The concept of Tales From Woodcreek is steeped in history, as it explores the village that was cursed by a witch generations ago. The descendants of its founding families, along with a few special guests, embark on a quest to lift the curse and return the village to its former glory. Woll co-created the series with Ed Gass-Donnelly, who also has extensive experience as a Dungeon Master. Together, they have merged the unscripted television format with the intricate storytelling of D&D, filming the series on location at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Canada.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is a living history museum that regularly hosts paranormal investigations and ghost tours, which adds an authentic atmosphere to the series. The immersive environment includes creaking floorboards, dirt paths, and historic buildings that serve as the backdrop for the adventures. Woll emphasizes the importance of this setting, stating, “A battle map can be a chalkboard. Your table can be school desks.”

The idea for this ambitious project began when Gass-Donnelly and Woll were brainstorming a “spiritual successor” to their previous series, Relics & Rarities. Gass-Donnelly suggested a tour of Black Creek, which inspired Woll’s vision of Tales From Woodcreek as a collection of “fairytales for adults.” The duo quickly became excited about the potential for storytelling and the unique possibilities offered by the village’s eerie charm.

Gass-Donnelly noted how the production aimed to create an interactive experience that would engage the players. “A big part of it is about getting people up on their feet and creating the immersion and interactivity,” he explained. The series was filmed in an impressive four days, with a rigorous schedule that required late-night preparations and creative improvisation.

The core cast features Monty Martin as paladin Victor Gravesong, Kelly McLaughlin as bard Valentine Gravesong, and Anjali Bhimani as shapeshifting warlock Victoria “Vix” Stong. Each character is a descendant of Woodcreek’s founding families. Martin and McLaughlin are also the hosts of the Dungeon Dudes channel, which showcases the series. Guest appearances include notable actors such as Iman Vellani, known for her role in Ms. Marvel, and Jessica Henwick from Glass Onion.

Bhimani described the filming experience as exhilarating, reflecting on the positive energy on set despite the demanding schedule. “The vibe on the set was so exciting and positive and full of energy,” she remarked. Each two-episode arc balances lore, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with Woll serving as a guiding force who prioritizes immersion and player agency.

The series introduces a range of challenges, including locked-room puzzles, an animatronic spellbook with a blinking eye, and even elements of cosmic horror. The physicality of the setting enhances the experience; players encounter flickering lanterns, creaking staircases, and realistic props that contribute to the overall atmosphere. “It’s about surprising the players,” Gass-Donnelly said, explaining how the team constantly shifts the narrative to keep players on their toes.

Through Tales From Woodcreek, Woll and Gass-Donnelly have redefined the landscape of Dungeons & Dragons gameplay, connecting history, storytelling, and immersive experiences in a way that engages both players and viewers alike. The series promises to deliver a captivating blend of adventure and creativity, setting a new standard in the realm of actual play.