This course is an advanced exploration of the acting and performance aspects of character animation in Autodesk Maya. Building upon the mechanical and technical concepts covered in the previous two animation courses, students will be introduced to methods for adding appeal, purpose, and emotion to their characters. Methods of time management and planning will be taught so students can work towards achieving polished pieces. Through in-class lectures, demonstrations, and homework exercises, students will develop a better understanding of the subtleties of performance-driven animation and how to invoke a response in the audience. Students will produce several polished performance-centric animated scenes, using body language and facial expression, throughout the course for ongoing group review, culminating in a final presentation for critique.