[4][5] Growing up in local theater, her notable appearances were as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz; Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical; Elle Woods in Legally Blonde; Baby June in Gypsy; Hello, Dolly!

In 2008 Hanks appeared on the reality television show Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods and was declared the winner.

She made her Broadway debut as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Palace Theatre on July 23, 2008,[2] and continued performing in the role until the musical ended its run on October 19, 2008.

[8] Later that year she starred as Sharpay Evans in a production of High School Musical which ran from November 5 to December 7, 2008, at the Paper Mill Playhouse.

[10] She played the part of the NYU Tour Guide in the third installment of Touchstone Pictures' "Step Up" franchise.