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Young people have a lot to say—and when it comes to the future of the Great Salt Lake, they’re using every creative tool they have to speak up.
In partnership with the Wake the Great Salt Lake initiative, several of our apprenticeship cohorts have spent the past year using creative media to spark action around one of Utah’s most urgent environmental issues: the rapid decline of the Great Salt Lake.

In early April, the Loudies were invited to take over RadioACTive on KRCL and talk about their most recent project: Beyond the Beat.

Spy Hop Productions, Inc, (Spy Hop), a leader in the field of youth media arts education, is proud to announce that Larissa Trout has been selected as its new Executive Director. With over 15 years of service to the organization, Trout has demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion for amplifying youth voice, making her the perfect choice to lead Spy Hop into the future.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am honored to announce that Larissa Trout has been selected as Spy Hop’s new Executive Director. Larissa is a passionate advocate for the arts and a steadfast believer in the power of young people. With over 15 years of dedication to Spy Hop, she has played an integral role in advancing our mission through development, marketing, and most recently as Associate Director. 

Spy Hop joined hundreds of students and industry professionals at SheTech Explorer Day, an annual event dedicated to engaging high school girls in STEM. With hands-on workshops, industry mentorship, and a vibrant atmosphere, SheTech provides a space where young women can explore the vast possibilities of technology.

For over 100 years, Utah has served as a backdrop for Hollywood films and television. But the draw to Utah isn’t down to our memorable landscapes alone–it’s in large part due to the talent pool we are building to support these productions on arrival. . Here at Spy Hop, we are invested in preparing the next generation of professional storytellers to become part of this thriving economy. 

Spy Hop, a leader in the field of youth media arts education, announced today that Executive Director Kasandra VerBrugghen will be stepping down from her position this spring. Since joining the organization in 2008, VerBrugghen has transformed Spy Hop from a small, youth media arts organization, into a thriving, nationally recognized nonprofit.

It is with both a heavy heart and a deep sense of fulfillment that I write to share that after nearly 17 years at Spy Hop, I will be stepping down from my position as Executive Director this spring. This decision comes after much reflection and with a commitment to ensuring that Spy Hop continues to thrive under new leadership for many years to come.