[1] Wilkinson spent the majority of her early career as an actor; however, she later expanded to directing.

In 2010, Wilkinson directed the world premiere of Brendan Gull's Wide Awake Hearts at Tarragon Theatre.

[2] Wilkinson was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer on November 21, 2010.

Wilkinson married her longtime partner, actor Tom Rooney, while in hospital receiving treatment on December 19, 2010.

The award offers financial support to a Canadian female theatre artist/leader.