Steve Syatt is a public relations professional with an unusual part-time gig that has really taken off – a live kids show. The Sherman Oaks businessman’s entertainment act Shushybye is now in residence at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal Studios City Walk. Syatt and the Shushybye Dream Band will perform two 50-minute Saturday shows on a monthly basis starting this month. And last month, production started on an animated series to be distributed by Carsey-Werner Productions in Encino. The milestones are the latest achievements for Syatt, who the Business Journal has been following since he came up with the Shushies – magical creatures who create children’s dreams – as a way to get his toddler son to go to bed. He started releasing material to the public in 2005 and has since created DVDs, CDs, the live show, a series of 10-minute episodes on cable channel BabyFirst TV, books, plush dolls and themed nightwear. The comedy club, opened in 2009 by former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Lovitz, seats more than 500 on its three levels. Its location and reputation met the criteria Syatt wanted in a partner: high profile and in a tourist area where visitors came with children. “This is where I wanted to be,” said Syatt, 59, who lives in Calabasas and operates SSA Public Relations. “I could envision the children on all the different levels.” Marc Short, co-owner and Lovitz’s business partner in the venture, said the club works with outside producers to fill its schedule and round out the core offering of standup comedy. He said Syatt’s act was a good fit. “Shushybye will become an attraction on Saturday afternoons,” Short said. “It is no different than what they are doing inside Universal Studios.” The show features songs written by Syatt that are simple enough for the infants and toddlers yet with a touch of sophistication to appeal to adults. Tickets are $20 a person, or $30 including lunch with a menu of healthy choice foods prepared at the club. Syatt and the club split the take on the tickets although neither would disclose how much each side receives. The success of the show, however, raises the question: why does Syatt even bother to continue running his public relations firm. His answer? “I thoroughly enjoy doing PR and promotions,” Syatt said. “It is a big responsibility working with companies on a growth track and contributing to that. We don’t take it lightly.” – Mark R. Madler
Kids Act Grows Up At City Walk
