Not too far off, actually.

Actors were legally classed as "sturdy [i.e., not crippled] beggars" and
subject to arrest.

But it was perfectly legal for a nobleman to have servants, and if he
wanted some of his servants to put on plays for him and his guests, that
was fine, even if those servants had no other duties.

And, obviously, actors need to have rehearsals.

And if they wanted to have their rehearsals in theaters, and charge
admission to the public, why, that was just looking out for their
master's interests, and no one could possibly object to that.

But the first comp tickets apparently go back to the Greeks.