Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Will Lead Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where experienced game masters manage D&D games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a structured way to address these questions, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where direct communication with expert teachers and your fellow DMs who are probably in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” stated Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, based on the degree of interaction they desire with the experts. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Core Techniques: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Tailored to game masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.

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

“The courses are created so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can participate in, learn from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

The majority of workshops are instructed by a pair of experts. Universe creation is guided by Monte Cook and the creator of Eberron, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Industry advancement presents multiple instructors, such as a puzzle design specialist, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to offer targeted guidance 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 aim to release and write original content,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Advanced Options

A $1.5K enhanced option provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an entire weekend just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar top package includes an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to lead a session for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The goal is for the instructor to evaluate any element is focused on: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in this kind of combat situation. May I present a situation for you and receive input on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, lengthening the event to a longer period, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I expect that we conduct these regularly,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see numerous academy events in a given year, in different cities, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with big conventions.”