One of Howard's favorite guitar gigs was playing pre-show music for the Redwood Area Theatresports improvisational. He often accompanied them during the show on guitar and keyboard when their regular musician, Bob Ebenstein, was unavailable. Here is what some of the newspapers have said about the RATS shows:

"The audience roars with laughter. The unexpected is par for the course." -Humboldt Beacon

"Theatresports is an idea that's right up there with fire, the wheel, post-its, and hot buttered popcorn. Wickedly quick, limitlessly inventive." -North Coast Journal

"In this type of theatre, actors are given the freedom to really showcase their talents." -Times Standard