> At a Glance
> – Influencer Whitney Leavitt will debut as Roxie Hart on Feb. 2 for a six-week run in Chicago.
> – She auditioned in secret while competing in DWTS season 34 and secured the part 24 hours after her NYC callback.
> – Former partner Mark Ballas has supplied voice-care and stage-presence tips ahead of opening night.
> – Why it matters: A reality-to-Broadney leap shows how social-media stars can fast-track into major theatrical roles.
Whitney Leavitt’s leap from TikTok fame to the Broadway marquee takes place Feb. 2, when the 32-year-old steps into Roxie Hart’s heels for a six-week engagement in Chicago. Below, how she prepped, who cheered her on, and what she’s feeling with days to go.
Secret Auditions While Dancing
Weeks after her semi-final exit from Dancing with the Stars, Leavitt flew to New York, nailed her audition, and signed the contract the next day. She had been submitting tapes during live show rehearsals, keeping the goal quiet until the deal was sealed.
- Sent audition clips while learning foxtrot routines
- Eliminated on DWTS semi-finals night
- Booked flight two days later, landed role in 24 hrs
Advice from Mark Ballas
The first call she made after the offer? Mark Ballas, her DWTS pro, who played Jersey Boys‘ Frankie Valli in 2017. Their friendship stayed alive online-TikTok trends, Outsiders tickets, nonstop texts-and he’s been her backstage coach.
Mark Ballas told her:
> “Live in the moment and just be present… you’ll perform better rather than anticipating the next thing.”
He also schooled her on:
- Vocal warm-ups to survive eight-show weeks
- Body recovery tricks after grueling rehearsals
- Mental tricks to calm opening-night nerves
Countdown to Curtain
With family, friends, plus online followers in the audience, Leavitt anticipates a “rollercoaster of emotions” when the overture starts. She jokingly told Ballas to skip opening night-then immediately invited him anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Social-media following can accelerate Broadway casting
- DWTS training gave stamina for high-energy song-and-dance role
- Cross-platform friendships (TikTok + stage pros) create real industry support
Lights up in February-Utah’s MomTok star finally takes her place under the Ambassador Theatre marquee.
