Monte Cook along with Keith Baker Are Teaching Classes at DMU

Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are highly favored among career game masters who rarely get the moment to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the planners began developing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for the start of 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces an in-person experience together with other dungeon masters, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and also want to improve their skills,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Cost Levels

Dungeon Masters can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the level of access they desire with the instructors. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of managing a session.
• Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
• Career Building: Designed for game masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes two days of classwork divided across two days.

“The courses are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and implement in your regular session.”

Professional Teachers

Most classes are led by two professors. Worldbuilding is guided by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.

Industry advancement features several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Some of them plan to create their own real-play series and present their narratives with the world, some of them aim to release and write original content,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the debut of the program, though the company has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.

“One could practically host an complete event just on consultation sessions for professional dungeon masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is extremely important – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option offers an extended personal consultation and the chance to run a game for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and coaching.

“The aim is for the faculty member to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with improv or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. May I present a scene for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and advice on a particular setting that they’ve been developing.”

Future Plans

Input from the first event will help guide upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, making it longer to a longer period, or trying out varied class arrangements.

“I hope that we conduct these frequently,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in different countries. The response has been extremely positive. We’re very happy with the results so far and I think it would be wonderful to be able to do this in partnership with big conventions.”