Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running immersive events where experienced game masters lead fantasy roleplaying games in old manors in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a structured way to address these questions, which led to the creation of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction alongside peers in game mastering, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs often in a similar position and also want to enhance their abilities,” explained Jason Carl.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Skill Building: Covers the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Aimed at dungeon masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Each course includes two days of instruction divided across 48 hours.

“The classes are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These classes that you can attend, learn from, and then go right back home the next week and apply in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are instructed by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.

“Certain participants plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, others aim to release and develop fresh ideas,” Carl said. “Some just want to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 gold tier includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of all participants' schedule – I believe the formal instruction and the lab work is too valuable – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”

The $2,500 platinum tier offers an hour of one-on-one time and the chance to run a game for several participants plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The goal is for the teacher to review whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and get feedback on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Perhaps they want to obtain critique and advice on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the inaugural session will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in multiple countries. The response has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with what we’re seeing and I think it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in collaboration with large gatherings.”