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Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

Are you ready to take center stage in the world of theatre design and technology? The terminal M.F.A. degree equips students with the artistry and skills to become practicing professionals. With a flexible curriculum and concentrations in costume design, lighting design, scene design and technical direction, this three-year program offers students the opportunity to explore their areas of interest and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre production.

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College of the Arts
School of Theatre and Dance - Theatre Division
www.kent.edu/theatredance

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Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

The School of Theatre and Dance offers a Master of Fine Arts program in Theatre Design and Technology for students wishing to pursue graduate-level training in the areas of Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design or Theatre Technology.

The graduate Theatre Design and Technology program provides students with ample opportunities for learning and practicing their art, specifically through participation in the university theatre season and the summer season at  which tests and expands skills learned in the classroom and design studio. Students who enroll in the Design and Technology graduate program will receive intensive training in their chosen level of concentration and will graduate with the skills necessary to succeed as practicing professionals in the performing arts industry. 

Professional Opportunities

The M.F.A. Design and Technology candidate has numerous opportunities to connect with working professionals beyond the traditional academic environment. Candidates work alongside seasoned design professionals throughout the year and build a professional network vital to future career success. Through the Roe Green Visiting Director Series, connections with guest directors from important venues are forged. Internship opportunities exist with , Northeast Ohio's premiere professional summer theatre. 

Program Information for Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The program is a three-year course of study with a flexible curriculum for students to explore areas of special interest.

The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

  • The Costume Design and Technology concentration prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry, professional theatre or theatre education. Students study both design and technology, including related areas such as dye techniques, costume crafts and wigs and makeup. Students also design costumes for main-stage departmental productions. The curriculum includes core classes in theatre history, dramatic theory and historical periods.
  • The Lighting Design concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology. Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.
  • The Scene Design concentration balances focused classroom instruction with practical design and production experience. Students also study related artisan areas such as digital and traditional rendering techniques, 3D CAD, props, fabrication, scene painting and presentation techniques with particular emphasis on integrating contemporary digital techniques into the design process. The curriculum contains courses in construction theory, rigging, costume crafts and projection/media design.
  • The Technical Direction concentration provides students with training and practical experiences in planning main stage productions for the School of Theatre and Dance. Studies focus on safety and all logistics of production assembly, including touring and dance. Technical directors have the opportunity work in four very different theatre spaces: black box, large proscenium, thrust and open outdoor.
Admissions for Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio review
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
    • Minimum 50 PTE score
    • Minimum 100 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Final deadline: August 1
  • Spring Semester
    • Final deadline: January 1
  • Summer Term
    • Final deadline: May 1

Applications will not be accepted after these deadlines.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Acquire creative and technical ability to develop the design of a production from concept to finished product.
  2. Acquire advanced abilities in the unification of all design elements used in professional production.
  3. Understand analytical or academically oriented theatre studies in areas related to and supportive of the work in the major field such as history, theory, dramatic literature and performance studies.
  4. Understand information resources associated with theatrical design and production.
  5. Produce full working drawings for mounted productions.
  6. Analyze text, music and dance and the ways that historical, critical and theoretical content inform playwriting, acting, directing and design.
  7. Communicate ideas clearly and effectively to the theatre community, production teams and the public.
  8. Know the history of their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate that history into production design.
  9. Know current technology, tools and methods in their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate technology into production design.
  10. Know health and safety practices associated with theatre production.
  11. Communicate and navigate effectively within the field of professional theatrical production design.
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics and practice.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
THEA 60992PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP I 3
or THEA 61992 PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP II
THEA 61000INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDY IN THEATRE 3
THEA 61094COLLEGE TEACHING IN THEATRE 13
THEA 61306PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 3
THEA 61623DIGITAL RENDERING THEATRE DESIGN 3
THEA 65000HISTORY, HISTORICISM, THEORY AND PRACTICE IN THEATRE AND DRAMA 3
Major Elective, choose from the following:3
THEA 51113
THEATRE IN A MULTICULTURAL AMERICA
THEA 51115
LGBTQ THEATRE
THEA 51191
VARIABLE CONTENT SEMINAR: THEATRE HISTORY, LITERATURE AND THEORY
THEA 51625
HISTORY OF COSTUME AND TEXTILES FOR THEATRE
THEA 61531
PERIOD STYLE FOR THEATRE DESIGNERS
Culminating Requirement
THEA 61310MASTER OF FINE ARTS DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY CULMINATING PROJECT 3
Concentrations
Choose from the following:36
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
1

THEA 61094 is required for graduate assistants only; students not required to take the course will complete an advisor-approved elective to graduate with 60 credit hours.

Costume Design and Technology Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
THEA 51540DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE I 3
THEA 51621PRESENTATION MEDIA 3
THEA 66001COSTUME DESIGN I: SCRIPT ANALYSIS 2
THEA 66002COSTUME DESIGN II: PERFORMANCE GENRES 2
THEA 66003COSTUME DESIGN III: THEATRICAL STYLES 2
THEA 66004COSTUME DESIGN IV: ADVANCED RENDERING 2
THEA 66005COSTUME DESIGN V: RESEARCH METHODS 2
THEA 66006COSTUME DESIGN VI: TEXTILES 2
THEA 66092PRODUCTION COLLABORATION: COSTUME DESIGN/TECHNOLOGY (repeatable)8
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:10
ARTS 55300
JACQUARD: DIGITAL WEAVING 1
THEA 51095
SPECIAL TOPICS
THEA 51525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 51529
ADVANCED WIG AND MAKEUP TECHNIQUES-STAGE AND SCREEN
THEA 51541
DRAPING FOR THE THEATRE II
THEA 51734
COSTUME PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
THEA 52101
DYE TECHNIQUES AND FABRIC MODIFICATION
THEA 52150
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERS: FOAM FABRICATION AND FIGURE FINISHING TECHNIQUES
THEA 60196
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION: HISTORIC TEXTILES
THEA 60992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP I
THEA 61992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP II
THEA 65192
TEACHING PRACTICUM
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36
1

Maximum 6 credit hours of ARTS 55300 may be applied toward concentration requirements.

Lighting Design Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
THEA 51523SOUND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY I 3
THEA 51562ADVANCED PROJECTION DESIGN 3
THEA 65001LIGHTING DESIGN I: DRAMA 2
THEA 65002LIGHTING DESIGN II: MUSICAL THEATRE 2
THEA 65003LIGHTING DESIGN III: DANCE AND OPERA 2
THEA 65004LIGHTING DESIGN IV: NON-TRADITIONAL PRODUCTIONS 2
THEA 65005LIGHTING DESIGN V: ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR LIGHTING 2
THEA 65006LIGHTING DESIGN VI: NEW TECHNOLOGY 2
THEA 65092PRODUCTION COLLABORATION: LIGHTING DESIGN (repeatable)8
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:10
THEA 51095
SPECIAL TOPICS
THEA 51420
THEATRICAL DRAFTING II
THEA 51430
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION THEORY
THEA 51521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 51524
DESIGN STUDIO: COSTUME
THEA 51525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 51526
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 51527
SOUND AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 51531
THEATRICAL RIGGING
THEA 51560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 51621
PRESENTATION MEDIA
THEA 60992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP I
THEA 61096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION: THEATRE AND DRAMA
THEA 61992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP II
THEA 65192
TEACHING PRACTICUM
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36

Scene Design Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
THEA 51420THEATRICAL DRAFTING II 3
THEA 51525PROPS AND CRAFTS 3
THEA 51621PRESENTATION MEDIA 3
THEA 63001SCENIC DESIGN I: FOUNDATIONS IN SINGLE SET SCENIC DESIGN 2
THEA 63002SCENIC DESIGN II: ADVANCED SINGLE SET SCENIC DESIGN 2
THEA 63003SCENIC DESIGN III: DESIGNING BEYOND DRAMA 2
THEA 63004SCENIC DESIGN IV: ADVANCED MULTI-SETTING DESIGN 2
THEA 63005SCENIC DESIGN V: ENTERTAINMENT AND PRODUCTION DESIGN 2
THEA 63006SCENIC DESIGN VI: NON-TRADITIONAL AND SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCES 2
THEA 63092PRODUCTION COLLABORATION: SCENIC DESIGN (repeatable)8
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:7
THEA 51095
SPECIAL TOPICS
THEA 51430
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION THEORY
THEA 51521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 51526
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 51527
SOUND AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 51531
THEATRICAL RIGGING
THEA 51560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 51562
ADVANCED PROJECTION DESIGN
THEA 60992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP I
THEA 61096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION: THEATRE AND DRAMA
THEA 61992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP II
THEA 65192
TEACHING PRACTICUM
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36

Technical Direction Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
THEA 51420THEATRICAL DRAFTING II 3
THEA 51430ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION THEORY 3
THEA 51531THEATRICAL RIGGING 3
THEA 64001THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION I: FOUNDATIONS I 2
THEA 64002THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION II: FOUNDATIONS II 2
THEA 64003THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION III: TOURING PRODUCTIONS 2
THEA 64004THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION IV: EDUCATIONAL THEATRE 2
THEA 64005THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION V: MECHANICS AND AUTOMATION 2
THEA 64006THEATRE TECHNICAL DIRECTION VI: HEALTH AND SAFETY 2
THEA 64092PRODUCTION COLLABORATION: TECHNICAL DIRECTION (repeatable)8
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:7
THEA 51095
SPECIAL TOPICS
THEA 51521
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY I
THEA 51525
PROPS AND CRAFTS
THEA 51526
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY II
THEA 51560
THEATRE FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY
THEA 51621
PRESENTATION MEDIA
THEA 60992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP I
THEA 61096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION: THEATRE AND DRAMA
THEA 61992
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP II
THEA 65192
TEACHING PRACTICUM
Minimum Total Credit Hours:36

Progression Requirements

Students must pass semester reviews and are expected to participate in at least one main-stage production each semester, which may be in addition to any production design assignment.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Culminating Requirement

The culminating project requirements include documentation, portfolio presentation and an exit interview. Documentation consists of a design analysis, process journal, relevant research and other supporting materials (e.g., photos, links to the candidate’s website). The scope of work may include, but not necessarily be limited to, evidence of research, drawing and drafting, rendering and associated digital image, video or audio files, which will be presented at an exit interview. The topic of each M.F.A. candidate’s culminating project will be proposed by the candidate and based on faculty feedback from yearly portfolio and academic assessments. The student will register for THEA 61310 for the student’s project assignment. The process is then documented in a format appropriate for the project and presented to the faculty advisor.

Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
Accreditation for Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

National Association of Schools of Theatre

Design/Tech Portfolio Requirements

Individuals interested in applying for admission to the graduate Design and Technology programs in Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, and Theatre Technology must prepare an entrance portfolio for faculty members to review prior to admission.

Costume Design Portfolio Requirements 

  • Examples of art work, photography, drawing, painting.
  • Examples of drafting.
  • Resume of Theatrical Experience.
  • Photographs of productions.
  • Sketches and/or drawings of the figure.
  • Sketches and/or renderings of costumes.
  • Examples of concept statements or concept boards.

For more information, please contact

Michelle Hunt Souza

msouza@kent.edu

Lighting Design Portfolio Requirements

  • Examples of art work, photography, drawing, painting.
  • Examples of drafting.
  • Resume of Theatrical Experience.
  • Examples of light plots, hook ups, magic sheets, cue lists, and other design documentation.
  • Photographs of productions.
  • Examples of concept statements or concept boards.

For more information, please contact

Jakyung Seo

jseo1@kent.edu

Scenic Design Portfolio Requirements

  • Examples of art work, photography, drawing, painting.
  • Examples of drafting.
  • Resume of Theatrical Experience.
  • Photographs of productions.
  • Sketches and/or drawings of scenery.
  • Examples of drafting or design drawings.
  • Renderings and/or paint elevations.
  • Examples of concept statements or concept boards.

Theatre Technology Portfolio Requirements

  • Examples of art work, photography, drawing, painting.
  • Examples of drafting.
  • Resume of Theatrical Experience.
  • Photographs of productions.
  • Examples of construction drawings.
  • Photographs of scenery engineered or constructed.

For more information, please contact

Steve Pauna

spauna@kent.edu

Revised Requirements for the MFA Design, Technology, and Production Program
  1. Since the MFA Design & Technology program requires students to demonstrate his/her profession in each area of Design and Technology through assessment measures beyond academic evaluations, the Design, Technology & Production Faculty of the School of Theatre and Dance has the right to dismiss from the program a student who fails to demonstrate his/her profession to become a competent designer and technologist. This condition will be applied to those who meet academic requirements.
  2. MFA Design & Technology candidates must comply with the university attendance policy 3-01.2 (effective Jan. 13, 2018).
  3. MFA Design & Technology candidates are required to involve at least two significant assignments per semester approved by Design Technology & Production faculty and staff.
  4. MFA Design & Technology candidates are expected to follow the plan of study made by either the area faculty advisor.
  5. Only the third year MFA Design & Technology students are allowed to take outside of school classes. It must be proved by the area faculty advisor.
  6. If a MFA Design & Technology candidate earns a A grade of C or lower in a required MFA Design & Technology class, the candidate will automatically be placed on program probation.
  7. MFA Design & Technology candidates are expected to matriculate in the MFA program by completing program requirements.  Failure of any course requires candidates to repeat courses and may interfere with program matriculation, which may result in program probation.
  8. MFA Design & Technology candidates must successfully complete all course work as determined by the course instructors and as outlined by the course syllabi and maintain a GPA of 3.0 in their major.
  9. MFA Design & Technology candidates must demonstrate continuous skill development and growth in ALL areas of the MFA Design & Technology Program. A student may be placed on Program Probation for failure to demonstrate continuous skill development and growth in ALL including, but not limited to academic, production, and assistantship areas of the MFA Design & Technology. The members of the Design Technology & Production Faculty will provide the student with written information regarding specific areas and skills in question at the time of a student being placed on probation.
  10. MFA Design & Technology candidates must participate in the semester review.
  11. MFA Design & Technology candidates who wish to participate in job fairs at SETC, USITT, or similar conferences must share their portfolio with faculty & staff and incorporate feedback before participating in the job fair.
  12. MFA Design & Technology candidates must demonstrate professional behavior at all times.  Professional behavior is defined as behavior that supports the creative process.  Any behavior that detracts from the creative process can lead to immediate probation and/or dismissal from the MFA Design & Technology program.
  13. MFA Design & Technology candidates must demonstrate respect for their peers, instructors, and for themselves before, during and after classes, rehearsals, and performances.
  14. Should a MFA Design & Technology candidate be placed on program probation the Design & Production Faculty will provide a written list of conditions, and an explanation of what constitutes meeting said conditions, as well as a time frame for addressing conditions.  Failure to meet conditions in the time frame specified could lead to dismissal from the MFA Design & Technology Program.
  15. If a MFA Design & Technology Candidate is unable to attend class, due to illness then the candidate will be unable to attend shop work calls, rehearsal, tech, or performances.  Failure to attend work calls, rehearsals, tech or performances may lead to dismissal from a production.
  16. In order to maintain a safe and professional working environment, MFA Design & Technology candidates are expected to attend classes, shop work, rehearsals, and performances with a clear, sober and focused mind and body.  Students suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall be reported to the Student Conduct Board as well as the Kent City Police Department.  They are also subject to immediate program probation or dismissal from the program. 
  17. Failure to meet any requirement set forth in this document will lead to program probation, and/or program dismissal.
  18. In Students are subject to dismissal from the MFA Design & Technology program without being placed on program probation. 
  19. Students are required to remain in residence for the three years to complete the program (excluding, if appropriate, the internship).
  20. The topic of each M.F.A. candidate’s culminating project may be proposed by the candidate and based on faculty feedback from yearly portfolio and academic assessments. The culminating project must be approved by the faculty advisor. The student will register for THEA 61310 for the student’s project assignment. The process is then documented in a format appropriate for the project and presented to the faculty advisor.
  21. MFA Design & Technology students have to review .

Residency Requirement

  • Students are required to remain in residence for the three years to complete the program (excluding, if appropriate, the internship).
  • At a minimum, design/technology students must complete at least one significant production assignment and work on one other production each semester.
  • Students may not undertake any work outside the School of Theatre and Dance without petitioning the appropriate area faculty and receiving written permission prior to interviewing.

Graduation Requirements

  • The Design/Technology concentrations are an intensive, three-year, professional training program requiring the completion of 60 hours of graduate credit depending on the area of concentration.
  • The culminating project requirements for the Design and Technology concentrations include: documentation, portfolio presentation and an exit interview. Documentation consists of a design analysis, process journal, relevant research and other supporting materials (photos, links to the candidate’s website, etc). The scope of work may include but not necessarily be limited to, evidence of research, drawing and drafting, rendering and associated digital image, video or audio files, which will be presented at an exit interview.
  • The topic of each M.F.A. candidate’s culminating project may be proposed by the candidate and based on faculty feedback from yearly portfolio and academic assessments. The culminating project must be approved by the faculty advisor. The student will register for THEA 61310 for the student’s project assignment. The process is then documented in a format appropriate for the project and presented to the faculty advisor.

Concentrations

The M.F.A. in Design and Technology has four concentrations from which students choose. Students begin their graduate study with introductory graduate level coursework on design and technology and then begin in-depth and intensive training in their chosen specialty.

Costume Design and Technology Concentration

Students in the graduate Costume Design concentration at 5XÉçÇø learn a broad spectrum of skills -- from designing for theatre to design for television, film, and corporate mascots and other 3-D characters. Student designers have the opportunity to learn fabric modification, advanced cutting and draping skills, and work with some of the latest computer graphics software and hardware.

Graduate students design for the School of Theatre and Dance's annual production season and have the opportunity to design for Porthouse Theatre and other Corporate Theatre Projects, as well as receiving experience through arranged internships with professional theatre companies. Of special interest to costume students is the 5XÉçÇø Museum which was founded by fashion designer Shannon Rogers and focuses on fashion and interior artifacts. 

CREATE THE FABRIC OF THE STORY

Schedule a Visit

Michelle Hunt Souza

Assistant Professor of Costume Design
msouza@kent.edu

Lighting Design Concentration

Students in the graduate Lighting Design concentration have the opportunity to work with current equipment and technology including intelligent lighting and design visualization software. Graduate students in the lighting program design for The School of Theatre and Dance's annual production season and have the opportunity to design for  and other Entertainment Technology Projects, as well as receiving experience through arranged internships with professional theatre companies. 

Schedule a Visit

Jakyung Seo

Lighting Design
(330) 672-2082
jseo1@kent.edu

Scenic Design Concentration

The goal of the graduate Scenic Design concentration is to train students who are seriously interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify them to be practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. Students take advanced course work in design, rendering, scene painting, props and crafts, period styles and computer applications for design.

Schedule a Visit

Tony Hardin

School Director
330-672-7386
ahardi14@kent.edu

Technical Direction Concentration

Students in the graduate Technical Direction concentration are preparing to assume work as a Technical Director or to work as professional staff in the entertainment technology business. Kent offers students in technology a variety of production experiences at School of Theatre and Dance productions, at Porthouse Theatre, and through professional internships.

Schedule a Visit

Steve Pauna

Associate Professor, Technical Director
330-672-0117
spauna@kent.edu

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Theatre Design and Technology - M.F.A.

Those who complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Theatre Design and Technology at 5XÉçÇø can benefit from specialized career opportunities in the theatre design and technology industry.

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

5.6%

faster than the average

116,300

number of jobs

$69,690

potential earnings

Film and video editors

21.6%

much faster than the average

38,300

number of jobs

$67,250

potential earnings

Lighting technicians and media and communication equipment workers, all other

4.9%

about as fast as the average

26,600

number of jobs

$70,980

potential earnings

Set and exhibit designers

1.2%

slower than the average

15,200

number of jobs

$58,180

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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