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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where professional dungeon masters manage Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in England and at an American castle venue. The full-service getaways are highly favored among career game masters who infrequently find the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and crafting riddles to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a structured way to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of DMU. The inaugural event is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“It's possible to view countless online tutorials on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces face-to-face interaction in the company of fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with expert teachers and your fellow DMs likely in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, based on the amount of contact they desire with the professionals. The starting package includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the essentials of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at dungeon masters who aim to explore more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes eight hours of instruction split over a weekend.

“The courses are created so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can participate in, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and implement in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are instructed by a pair of experts. Setting design is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees want to launch their own real-play series and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Can anyone do it?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier includes access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is extremely important – but I suspect it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2.5K premium option provides 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 faculty member to assess whichever aspect is concerned with: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked 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. “Perhaps they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Responses from the inaugural session will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that possible changes could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl expressed. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”