The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has launched a $3.7 million initiative that will fund three-year playwright residencies, putting the selected scribes on staff at theaters around the country, complete with salaries and benefits. Visiting Assistant Professor Marcus Gardley is one of 14 playwrights to receive this distinction.

The Mellon money is designed to enable the writers to focus more fully on their writing without scrambling to make ends meet, but under the initiative they will also shoulder duties that could include taking part in planning sessions for theater companies’ upcoming seasons, providing a writer’s voice at board meetings, and participating in playwright development programs. Congratulations Marcus!