Howard studied Drama at Exeter University, and trained in physical theatre at the Desmond Jones School in London. He is the co–founder and artistic director of the London–based Ophaboom Theatre Company, and has directed and acted in all of their shows since 1993.

Ophaboom specializes in creating and performing contemporary works in the Italian "Commedia dell'Arte" tradition. In its earliest form, Commedia married the rough entertainments of traveling mountebanks and street peddlers with the masks of carnival and the classicism of Greek and Roman drama — using stock characters to create a vibrant physical spectacle performed on high trestle stages in crowded squares or piazzas. The popularity of Commedia dell'Arte spread across Europe with profound results. Its themes can be found time and time again in the works of Shakespeare, Moliere and other great European dramatists.

Drawing on Medieval Theatre and the origins of Commedia, Ophaboom set out to create a popular (and politically topical) style of theatre that would resonate with a modern audience, in the manner of strolling players. Although they sometimes perform in traditional theatre spaces, they also set up their trestle stage at festivals, on street corners, in village halls, in bowling alleys and many other less conventional venues, delighting in bringing theatre to audiences who might not otherwise go to see it. They perform (in a variety of languages) in France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Canada, the United States, South Korea, and throughout the British Isles. They have performed four times at the Venice Carnival and were the first English company to appear at the Medieval Festival in Le Puy–en–Velay. The company was featured in the book Commedia dell'Arte: A Handbook for Troupes by John Rudlin and Olly Crick.

In addition to his work for Ophaboom, Howard has also taught physical theatre, mask performance, and directed shows for other companies. He created and directed several puppet shows for the Little Angel Theatre in London, and performed in shows for both the Little Angel and Norwich Puppet Theatres. Most recently, he devised and directed a children’s fairy tale play at the ESMAE Theatre School in Porto, Portugal. He also writes articles on theatre, short stories, radio plays, poetry, and is at work on a novel.

When he's not on tour, Howard lives in a small country village in Devon, England. His other interests include traveling, studying Tai Chi and other martial arts, and exploring the ceremonial uses of masks in native cultures around the world.