Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where expert DMs run fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in Britain and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of DMU. The first session is set for the start of 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing compares to a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where direct communication with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs often in comparable situations and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained Jason Carl.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Dungeon Masters can choose from tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over a weekend.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having tangible results, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can participate in, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the following week and apply in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are instructed by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and Keith Baker, together instructing the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to participants with definite objectives.

“Certain participants want to launch their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl stated. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 enhanced option includes access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an complete event just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to run a game for several participants plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to evaluate any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl detailed. “Perhaps they want to get feedback and information on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or testing different seminar structures.

“I anticipate that we host such events frequently,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The reception has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with current developments and I think it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in conjunction with large gatherings.”