Bly, who currently fulfills the same duties for Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., also served as the chair of the playwriting department at the Yale University School of Drama and was associate artistic director for Yale Rep from 1992-2004. Bly will take over the position at the Alley Theatre July 1.

"We are very fortunate to have found such a talented individual with extensive experience as a dramaturg, great knowledge of current national theatre artists and hands-on experience developing new plays to join Alley Theatre's artistic team," said Alley Theatre artistic director Gregory Boyd in a statement.

In addition to serving as dramaturg for select productions, Bly will be responsible for the creation of the Alley's new play program, involving readings and workshops with established and emerging playwrights.

Bly will also teach classes in dramaturgy and playwriting as the Distinguished Professor of Theatre for the Alley's partnership with the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance's Master of Fine Arts program.

Prior to his duties at Yale Rep, Bly was artistic associate/dramaturg at Seattle Repertory Theatre, served as dramaturg and literary manager at the Guthrie Theater and started his career at the Arena Stage working for Zelda Fichandler.