Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at DMU
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters manage fantasy roleplaying games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.
In response, the organizers began developing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.
“You can watch countless online tutorials on almost every theme and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in comparable situations and seek to enhance their abilities,” stated the program's dean.
Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers
DMs can opt for options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of running D&D.
- Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
- Universe Design: Highlights the art of setting design.
- Professional Development: Tailored to dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.
Every class includes two days of training split over a weekend.
“The courses are structured so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”
Expert Instructors
The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.
Professional development presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims.
“Some of them plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”
Premium Packages
A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.
“You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework and the lab work is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar top package offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and guidance.
“The goal is for the instructor to assess any element is focused on: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl detailed. “Or maybe they want to receive input and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”
Future Plans
Responses from the debut workshop will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or testing varied class arrangements.
“I expect that we host such events regularly,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in conjunction with big conventions.”
