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

“Have you heard? Nancy would be perfect for Saturday Night Live!”

"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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