COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. (AP) — Monica Venice of Cottage Grove loves to perform in plays.

About 10 years ago, however, the 51-year-old was rejected for a one-word part in a community play simply because she has Down syndrome.

That rejection led to the creation last year of Creative Chaos, a theater group for people with disabilities who have a passion for acting.

Creative Chaos founder Carmen Dowell said this year's group has nine people with developmental disabilities who will perform in the circus play "Under the Big Top!" Each cast member was able to choose their character, including a gorilla,...