Monte Cook and Monte Cook Are Teaching Workshops at DMU

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been running immersive events where experienced game masters run fantasy roleplaying games in historic castles in the UK and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are especially popular among forever DMs who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often ask for tips from seasoned professionals on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to managing conflicts at the table.

In response, the organizers began crafting a organized method to tackle these topics, which led to the establishment of the Dungeon Master Academy. The debut workshop is set for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are numerous digital guides on almost every theme and learn quite a lot, but the concept was that nothing compares to an in-person experience alongside other dungeon masters, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and your fellow DMs who are probably in a similar position and also want to level up their game,” noted Jason Carl.

Available Classes and Ticket Packages

DMs can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to $2.5K, according to the level of access they desire with the experts. The base tier includes selection from four classes:

• Core Techniques: Teaches the essentials of running D&D.
• Story Arc Development: Focuses around building persistent adventures.
• Universe Design: Concentrates on the development of worlds.
• Industry Advancement: Designed for game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of training spread over 48 hours.

“The courses are created so that you depart having usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “These aren't simple talks and they go beyond recorded content. These are sessions that you can join, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your local game.”

Expert Instructors

Most classes are led by two professors. Setting design is taught by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, jointly leading the skill of universe design.

Career building includes multiple instructors, such as Elisa Teague, a podcast co-host, and a pioneering DM. The extra instructors is designed to offer targeted guidance to attendees with particular aims.

“Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several plan to produce and develop fresh ideas,” Carl explained. “Several only seek to ask, What does it take to be a DM at a program like an immersive experience? Which abilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Advanced Options

A $1,500 enhanced option provides access to a welcome reception, a welcome gift pack, and a half-hour consultation appointment with one of the faculty. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the company has previously run similar events during breaks between adventures at their castle events.

“It would be possible to organize an complete event just on consultation sessions for career game masters,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the most effective utilization of all participants' schedule – In my opinion the structured learning and the hands-on activities is highly beneficial – but I think it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.”

The $2,500 premium option provides an hour of one-on-one time and the opportunity to manage an adventure for five players plus an instructor, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to review any element is focused on: Hey I don’t do well with improvisation or I feel stuck 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 obtain critique and information on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Coming Developments

Input from the inaugural session will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl suggested that likely modifications could include adding more office hours, extending the program to 72 hours, or trying out alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we conduct these very often,” Carl said. “I really want to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The response has been extremely positive. We're extremely satisfied with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be amazing to be able to do this in collaboration with major events.”