Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters lead Dungeons & Dragons games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The full-service getaways are especially popular among career game masters who infrequently find the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for early January 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“It's possible to view thousands of YouTube videos on virtually any subject and acquire valuable insights, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session together with fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with faculty instructors and other game masters who are probably in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” noted the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from packages ranging from $995 to $2.5K, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Covers the fundamentals of managing a session.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around designing extended campaigns.
• Worldbuilding: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who aim to explore more about the tabletop profession.

Each course includes multiple sessions of classwork spread over a weekend.

“The classes are designed so that you depart having tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and numerous applicable methods,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can join, absorb insights from, and then return to your group the week after and put into practice in your regular session.”

Expert Instructors

Many sessions are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is led by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the art of worldbuilding.

Professional development includes four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, an entertainment professional, and Hunter Fell. The extra instructors is intended to provide specialized information to participants with particular aims.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them plan to produce and create new material,” Carl said. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K gold tier offers access to a introductory event, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with an instructor. This marks the debut of the program, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“One could practically host an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I'm not certain if that’s the best use of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the coursework and the practical exercises 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 possibility to lead a session for a small group plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and coaching.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is concerned with: I have difficulty with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Can I run a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and information on a specific world that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the inaugural session will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl suggested that possible changes could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to 72 hours, or testing alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events very often,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see multiple Dungeon Master Universities in a given year, in different cities, and in different countries. The feedback has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with the results so far and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”