What Is Questions Only?
Questions Only is an elimination-style improv game where two players act out a scene together — but every single line they say has to be a question. If someone hesitates too long, accidentally makes a statement, repeats a question, or breaks the flow, they get buzzed out and the next person in line immediately steps in. The scene keeps going, king of the hill style, until everyone has had a turn or the host calls it.
It sounds simple. It is not simple. Your brain wants to answer questions — that's what questions are for — and fighting that instinct while staying in a scene is harder than it sounds. That's where the comedy lives.
How It Works at Sunday Improv
- The hosts set the scene — something like "A courtroom where no one knows what the case is about" or "A zoo where the animals have taken over"
- Two players step up to start while everyone else lines up on the left side of the stage
- The scene begins — both players go back and forth, speaking only in questions
- When someone slips up, the buzzer hits — the buzzed player goes to the back of the line and the next person steps right in
- The scene continues seamlessly with the new player jumping into the action, or the host may change the scene entirely
The trick is that your mouth is always about two seconds ahead of your brain. The moment you stop to think, you've already lost.
What Gets You Buzzed
- Making a statement. This is the big one. Your brain will betray you. You'll be in the middle of a great scene and suddenly say "I don't think—" and it's over.
- Hesitating too long. The game runs on momentum. A pause that goes on too long gets the buzzer.
- Repeating the same question back. If someone asks "Did you hear that?" you can't just say "Did YOU hear that?" That's a cop-out.
- Statements disguised as questions. Tacking "...right?" onto the end of a statement doesn't make it a question. Nice try though.
Tips for Players
- Start with "who," "what," "where," "why," or "how." If you lead with a question word, your sentence is almost guaranteed to come out as an actual question.
- React to your scene partner. Don't just fire off random questions — build on what the other person just said. That's what makes it a scene and not just a weird quiz show.
- Don't overthink it. The fastest way to get buzzed is to pause and try to craft the perfect question. Just ask something — anything — and keep the rally going.
- Embrace the absurd. The best moments happen when questions spiral into territory nobody expected. "Do ghosts have credit cards?" is always funnier than "What do you think about that?"
- Get buzzed with style. You're going to slip up. Everyone does. Laugh it off and get back in line — you'll be up again before you know it. Getting buzzed does not mean losing, it just means the energy is higher!
Why It's a Blast
Questions Only is pure brain chaos. It's one of those games where the audience can see someone about to fail before they even know it themselves, and the collective gasp-then-laugh when the buzzer hits never gets old. The king of the hill format keeps everyone on their toes, and the rotating players mean the energy never dips. Whether you last ten exchanges or get buzzed on your first line, it's always funny.
Want to try it live? Join us every Sunday at 3 PM EST at Soapstone NYC in Meta Horizon Worlds. It's free, it's 18+, and Questions Only is in regular rotation.