As unique and innovative as Martha Moore Sykes has been to the Birmingham arts scene, so is the new addition at the historic Virginia Samford Theatre, named in her honor. The intimate 90 seat performance space and rehearsal room features tables and seating in a relaxed cabaret style atmosphere. Birmingham's favorite theatre performers Kristi Tingle Higginbotham, Jan D. Hunter, Lonnie Parsons and Carl Dean headlined the opening weekend.

An accomplished singer and musician, Martha Moore Sykes worked for many years in New York City as advertising executive and later served as President of the New York City Opera Board of Directors. Upon her return to Birmingham in the early 1980's as Vice President of Marketing at AmSouth Bank, Ms. Sykes quickly became involved in the Birmingham arts scene where she served on the Board of Directors for Opera Birmingham, Alabama Operaworks and the International Festival of Arts. She co-founded the Birmingham Broadway Series and served as its Chairman for 10 years.