Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Instructing Workshops at Dungeon Master University
Since 2018, a specialized event organizer has been hosting immersive events where expert DMs run D&D games in old manors in Britain and at Landoll’s Mohican Castle. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among long-time dungeon masters who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often look for guidance from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from spontaneous storytelling and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.
In response, the planners began crafting a structured way to answer these inquiries, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University.
“It's possible to view numerous digital guides on virtually any subject and learn quite a lot, but the idea was that there’s just no substitute a live, hands-on session alongside fellow DMs, where real-time interaction with seasoned educators and your peers who are probably in a similar position and aim to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.
Available Classes and Ticket Packages
DMs can select packages ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, based on the amount of contact they desire with the experts. The starting package includes selection from four classes:
- Skill Building: Covers the fundamentals of managing a session.
- Campaign Building: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
- Setting Creation: Concentrates on the crafting of environments.
- Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the roleplaying business.
Every class includes multiple sessions of instruction spread over two days.
“The courses are structured so that you walk away with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and many practical techniques,” Carl said. “They’re not just lectures and they’re not just static videos. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the next week and put into practice in your regular session.”
Expert Instructors
Most classes are taught by a pair of experts. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and the creator of Eberron, both teaching the art of worldbuilding.
Professional development includes four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and Hunter Fell. The additional faculty is meant to provide specialized information to attendees with definite objectives.
“Certain participants plan to create their own D&D actual play and share their stories with the world, some of them plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at an event like D&D in a Castle? What are the skills that I need? Is this achievable?”
Higher Tiers
A $1.5K gold tier provides access to a welcome reception, a starter kit, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This constitutes the inaugural DMU session, though the team has previously run Castle Days during breaks between campaigns at their immersive experiences.
“It would be possible to organize an full two days just on office hours for professional dungeon masters,” Carl observed. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of all participants' schedule – I think the formal instruction and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be a highly favored parts of the program.”
The twenty-five hundred dollar platinum tier offers an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to manage an adventure for a small group plus a teacher, who will then give comments and coaching.
“The goal is for the instructor to review whichever aspect is focused on: I have difficulty with improv or I feel stuck in this kind of combat situation. Could I demonstrate a scenario for you and obtain advice on where I excel and need improvement?” Carl said. “Alternatively they want to receive input and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.”
Future Plans
Feedback from the first event will help guide future Dungeon Master University sessions. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, making it longer to three days, or trying out different seminar structures.
“I expect that we do this very often,” Carl said. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The reception has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be amazing to be able to organize these in partnership with big conventions.”
