Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Teaching Classes at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the moment to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from experts on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to handling difficult situations at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a systematic approach to address these questions, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is scheduled for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“You can watch numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the philosophy was that nothing truly replaces a live, hands-on session in the company of fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with expert teachers and other game masters often in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Course Offerings and Cost Levels

DMs can choose from options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The starting package includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Campaign Building: Centers on crafting long-running games.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Career Building: Aimed at dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession.

All workshops includes eight hours of training split over a weekend.

“The workshops are structured so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “They’re not just lectures and they go beyond recorded content. These workshops that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your regular session.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are led by a pair of experts. Setting design is guided by Monte Cook and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the craft of setting creation.

Career building presents multiple instructors, such as an author on gaming puzzles, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The expanded teaching staff is meant to provide specialized information to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own D&D actual play and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and write original content,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, How do I get to be a DM at a program like a castle event? What are the skills that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A fifteen hundred dollar enhanced option offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with an instructor. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between game sessions at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an complete event just on consultation sessions for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the coursework and the practical exercises is too valuable – but I suspect it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an 60-minute private session and the chance to lead a session for several participants plus one of the faculty members, who will then give comments and instruction.

“The purpose is for the teacher to review any element is interested in: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I encounter obstacles in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a situation for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to get feedback and advice on a specific world that they’ve been building.”

Next Steps

Input from the debut workshop will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out different seminar structures.

“I expect that we do this frequently,” Carl expressed. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in various locations, and in various nations. The reception has been really terrific. We're quite pleased with current developments and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in collaboration with major events.”