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

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run Dungeons & Dragons games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. The full-service getaways are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who infrequently find the chance to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling 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 creation of Dungeon Master University. The debut workshop is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on any topic and acquire valuable insights, but the concept was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs likely in comparable situations and also want to enhance their abilities,” noted Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from options ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2,500, depending on the level of access they desire with the professionals. The base tier includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Covers the fundamentals of leading a game.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Concentrates on the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Designed for DMs who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

Every class includes multiple sessions of training spread over two days.

“The workshops are structured so that you walk away with immediate practical outcomes, probably greater confidence, and many practical techniques,” Carl explained. “It's more than presentations and they’re not just static videos. These workshops that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then return to your group the week after and put into practice in your home campaign.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are taught by duo of instructors. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and the creator of Eberron, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Professional development presents several experts, such as an author on gaming puzzles, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is intended to offer targeted guidance to attendees with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Premium Packages

A $1.5K enhanced option provides access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a 30-minute office hour appointment with a teacher. This represents the inaugural DMU session, though the company has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I'm not certain if that’s the optimal application of each attendee's hours – In my opinion the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is too valuable – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar premium option provides an 60-minute private session and the chance to lead a session for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and guidance.

“The purpose is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is concerned with: I struggle with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. May I present a situation for you and receive input on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl explained. “Perhaps they want to receive input and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Coming Developments

Responses from the first event will help determine future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl said that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, lengthening the event to three days, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I anticipate that we conduct these frequently,” Carl said. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in multiple countries. The reception has been overwhelmingly favorable. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to organize these in collaboration with big conventions.”