Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Sessions at Dungeon Master University

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters lead D&D games in historic castles in the UK and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who rarely get the chance to join in the game themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the coordinators began designing a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the founding of DMU. The debut workshop is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at an Atlanta campus.

“You can watch thousands of YouTube videos on any topic and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session in the company of other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with faculty instructors and your peers likely in the same boat and aim to level up their game,” noted the program's dean.

Course Offerings and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for tiers ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Covers the basics of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Focuses around crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the development of worlds.
• Professional Development: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of classwork divided across 48 hours.

“The workshops are designed so that you leave with immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “It's more than presentations and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

The majority of workshops are taught by a pair of experts. Worldbuilding is taught by an industry veteran and a renowned campaign designer, both teaching the craft of setting creation.

Career building includes four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, an entertainment professional, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is designed to deliver focused advice to participants with specific goals.

“Some of them aim to start their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, others plan to produce and create new material,” Carl explained. “Some just want to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K enhanced option includes access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the structured learning and the lab work is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2.5K platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the possibility to run a game for five players plus a teacher, who will then provide notes and instruction.

“The aim is for the teacher to review whatever the DM is interested in: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scene for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a particular setting that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Input from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that likely modifications could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl stated. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in partnership with major events.”