Actor Comedienne

The best friend you bring to brunch and the villain you cast in Act Two.

A decade of stand-up on aging, marriage, and modern life — from a woman who spent years substitute teaching K–5 and lived to yell about it.

Nancy Levine in a blue floral dress holding a red phone

“Hi casting, I'd be great for a sitcom!”

"Sharp, fearless, and unapologetically real."

Ten years. Clubs, theaters, festivals.

Nancy Levine in character as the Bad Substitute in a red plaid bathrobe with colorful curlers and a martini

The character

The Bad Substitute

Born from years as a K–5 substitute teacher, the Bad Substitute has pulled in tens of thousands of views on TikTok and Instagram — mostly from teachers who recognize their own Tuesday afternoon.

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The Very Latest

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Fresh Bad Substitute rants posting now.

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