Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Classes at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in the UK and at an American castle venue. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to tackle these topics, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience alongside fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters who are probably in comparable situations and aim to improve their skills,” explained the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can select tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes selection from four classes:

• Skill Building: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes eight hours of classwork spread over a weekend.

“The classes are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is led by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the skill of universe design.

Industry advancement features multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Some of them want to launch their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option provides access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This represents the debut of the program, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “It's unclear if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – In my opinion the coursework and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K top package provides an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for several participants plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The goal is for the faculty member to review whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the first event will help guide subsequent DMU events. Carl said that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, extending the program to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we do this frequently,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a calendar year, in different cities, and in different countries. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with large gatherings.”