Monte Cook and Monte Cook Will Lead Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs lead D&D games in historic castles in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among forever DMs who seldom have the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the organizers began developing a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of Dungeon Master University. The inaugural event is set for early January 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“There are numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.
Workshop Options and Cost Levels
DMs can select packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:
- Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
- Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Highlights the crafting of environments.
- Professional Development: Aimed at DMs who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.
All workshops includes two days of instruction spread over two days.
“The courses are designed so that you leave with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the week after and apply in your home campaign.”
Professional Teachers
The majority of workshops are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.
Industry advancement features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to students with specific goals.
“Certain participants plan to create their own live gameplay show and display their adventures with the world, others want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A $1.5K premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.
“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The $2,500 top package provides an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to run a game for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and guidance.
“The aim is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and advice on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”
Coming Developments
Responses from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I hope that we conduct these regularly,” Carl said. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in different cities, and in different countries. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in partnership with big conventions.”
