Monte Cook along with Monte Cook Are Teaching Sessions at Dungeon Master Academy

Since 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been running deeply engaging experiences where experienced game masters run D&D games in old manors in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. The comprehensive packages are widely appreciated among career game masters who infrequently find the opportunity to join in the game themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improv and crafting riddles to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the organizers began designing a organized method to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for the start of 2026 at Oglethorpe University.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to face-to-face interaction alongside fellow DMs, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your peers likely in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” stated the program's dean.

Workshop Options and Pricing Tiers

Game masters can choose from tiers ranging from nearly a thousand dollars to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the professionals. The entry-level option includes a choice of four workshops:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the basics of running D&D.
• Long-Term Game Planning: Centers on building persistent adventures.
• Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design.
• Professional Development: Designed for DMs who want to learn more about the gaming industry.

Every class includes two days of instruction spread over 48 hours.

“The workshops are created so that you depart having immediate practical outcomes, increased self-assurance, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl said. “These aren't simple talks and they exceed pre-recorded material. These workshops that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then head back to your table the following week and apply in your home campaign.”

Professional Teachers

Many sessions are instructed by two professors. Setting design is led by an industry veteran and Keith Baker, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Career building features four different teachers, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The additional faculty is intended to offer targeted guidance to students with particular aims.

“Various attendees aim to start their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, some of them want to publish and create new material,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at something like D&D in a Castle? What capabilities that I need? Is this achievable?”

Higher Tiers

A $1,500 premium package offers access to a introductory event, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the team has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between game sessions at their castle events.

“You could almost run an full two days just on office hours for expert DMs,” Carl observed. “It's unclear if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – In my opinion the structured learning 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 platinum tier provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then provide notes and coaching.

“The purpose is for the faculty member to evaluate whichever aspect is interested in: I have difficulty with improv or I get blocked in certain battle scenarios. Can I run a situation for you and get feedback on what my strengths and weaknesses are?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been building.”

Future Plans

Feedback from the debut workshop will help determine upcoming academy workshops. Carl said that likely modifications could include expanding one-on-one sessions, making it longer to a longer period, or experimenting with varied class arrangements.

“I anticipate that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see numerous academy events in a single year, in multiple places, and in different countries. The response has been overwhelmingly favorable. We're extremely satisfied with current developments and I feel it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in partnership with big conventions.”