At the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, students learn from instructors who bring more than academic knowledge into the classroom. They also bring real-world experience in their fields. English instructor Hollis Thompson is one example, putting his talents as an author, playwright, podcaster, and community arts advocate into practice while sharing that experience with UAHT students.
Thompson recently celebrated several creative accomplishments, including the release of a new edition of his vampire novella, Vivienne. The slightly abridged edition features a new cover by Athena Hayes.
His work as a playwright also recently earned recognition from the Austin Film Festival. Thompson’s script, Cosplay Cinderella, advanced to the second round of the 2026 Austin Film Festival competition in the Stage Play category.
Cosplay Cinderella follows a gifted young costume designer who, with the help of her fairy godmother, crashes the comic convention of her dreams. To get her chance to shine, she must outplay her stepsisters, who are determined to expose her identity and ruin her plans.
A slightly abridged audio drama adaptation of Cosplay Cinderella is available to listen to for free at youtube.com/watch?v=WHUg5Aa4Pnc.
Experiences like writing for publication, developing scripts, producing audio content, and submitting work for professional consideration give Thompson firsthand knowledge of the creative process that he can bring back to his students.
Thompson also puts his experience to work in the local community. He hosts Open Mic Poetry Nights at the Stained Page in Texarkana on the last Friday of every month at 6 p.m. The monthly gathering gives writers and poetry enthusiasts an opportunity to share their work and connect with others in the area’s creative community.
In addition, Thompson co-hosts the Comicstory podcast with author Kelly Guentner and continues to publish writing online. More of his work is available for free on Substack at holliscolethompson.substack.com.
Thompson’s work is one example of how UAHT instructors combine classroom teaching with active experience in their fields. By continuing to write, create, publish, and participate in the community, faculty members bring current, practical knowledge into the learning environment and help students see how the skills they develop at UAHT can be used in the real world.
For more information about the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, visit uaht.edu.
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