Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters run D&D games in historic castles in England and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and puzzle design to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The first session is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs often in a similar position and seek to improve their skills,” explained Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

DMs can select packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Teaches the essentials of managing a session.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Career Building: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of instruction divided across a weekend.

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, 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 return to your group the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Many sessions are led by duo of instructors. Universe creation is taught by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the craft of setting creation.

Career building includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.

“Some of them want to launch their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, others want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package includes an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The goal is for the teacher to evaluate whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with spontaneous decisions or I encounter obstacles in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and guidance on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that potential adjustments could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or testing varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl expressed. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in various locations, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I think it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”