Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where expert DMs manage fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among career game masters who rarely get the opportunity to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.
In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.
“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with expert teachers and your peers often in the same boat and also want to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.
Course Offerings and Pricing Tiers
Game masters can choose from options ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes one of four courses:
- Skill Building: Focuses on the basics of running D&D.
- Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
- Industry Advancement: Tailored to game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.
All workshops includes eight hours of instruction spread over a weekend.
“The workshops are designed so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the week after and implement in your regular session.”
Seasoned Educators
The majority of workshops are taught by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Professional development features four different teachers, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.
“Some of them want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”
Higher Tiers
A fifteen hundred dollar gold tier provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.
“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I believe the structured learning and the lab work is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option offers an hour of one-on-one time and the possibility to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and instruction.
“The goal is for the faculty member to evaluate whatever the DM is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to receive input and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been developing.”
Next Steps
Input from the debut workshop will help shape future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include adding more office hours, making it longer to three days, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.
“I anticipate that we conduct these regularly,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with big conventions.”
