During their theatre project, a group of 6-year-old children tried to pursue the role of active actors, decision-makers and producers. For them their theatrical activity was viewed as work, despite the fact that adults tend to count it as play. Children were also eager to earn from their performance. Money was a sign of appreciation and status, and it determined for its part children’s position as genuine actors in an artistic project. The article considers whether some of children’s activity could be understood as work.