The Quadrangle

Issue date: 3/1/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Sarah Mulligan Scatterbomb practices during their workshop on February 16

Two weeks ago Manhattan College's improv group, Scatterbomb, participated in the National College Comedy Festival at Skidmore College. Scatterbomb represented one of the eighteen schools involved in the showcase. Throughout the weekend, the groups performed and participated in workshops. It was an opportunity for them not only to learn a little, but to meet students from other schools and improv groups, as well.
Despite Scatterbomb's conviction that they are nothing but a group of "socially awkward" individuals, they are quite entertaining and a delight to watch. They are rambunctious and almost impossible to interview because of their need to guitar duel and the countless conversations comprehendible only to them that occur all at once. However, they are a devoted, dedicated bunch, whose hard work and achievements deserve recognition.
When asked how Scatterbomb began, Peter Smith said, "It started as a twinkle in Chris' eye." 
In fall 2003 Chris McShane, Peter Smith, Mike Lepetit, and Alex Koveos, among others developed an interest in improv after attending shows downtown and participating in a workshop that Manhattan College presented. They wanted to start a club through the school, since it was too expensive to take classes on their own.
Despite some minor complications at first, Scatterbomb became official in spring 2004. The following fall semester they began practicing with the help of coach, Owen Burke, who appears in the newest Nextel commercial, and had their first show.
If you are wondering where the name Scatterbomb came from, the credit for it is taken by veteran Scatterbomber, John Tiglias. In one of the group's first meetings, they were discussing when to practice.
According to Smith, "Tigs said, 'We should Scatterbomb our practices', and I said, 'Maybe you should stop playing so much Halo,' and Adam said, 'Now that's a name'." 
A year and a half later Scatterbomb has proven to be a hit. Aside from monthly Friday night shows in The Box in Thomas Hall, they have also performed and competed in the city. 
This past December, Scatterbomb competed in the College Comedy Gravity Bowl, a match involving several schools including NYU, Yale, and Wesleyan. The Gravity Bowl is a tournament of improv groups where the winner is determined by the audience. Scatterbomb won the competiton.

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