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

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing immersive events where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in England and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are especially popular among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often ask for tips from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session together with other dungeon masters, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and your fellow DMs often in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

DMs can opt for packages ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, depending on the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at DMs who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over two days.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with tangible results, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

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

Professional development includes several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is intended to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own live gameplay show and share their stories with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like a castle event? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Premium Packages

A $1,500 premium package offers access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with one of the faculty. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their immersive experiences.

“You could almost run an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the formal instruction 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 platinum tier provides an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to review whatever the DM is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and obtain advice on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Input from the debut workshop will help shape subsequent DMU events. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, extending the program to 72 hours, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we host such events very often,” Carl stated. “I would love to see numerous academy events in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The feedback has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in conjunction with big conventions.”